1. Wh Questions
Can your students explain what a rainbow is or when, why and how it appears? If they don’t have this background knowledge, read a nonfiction passage about it and then dig into these WH question types!
I also love sorting weather vocabulary with my contact lens activity. My students love when I pull out my little rainbow!
2. Story Grammar/Retell
Read a children’s book about rainbows! Some of my favorites include A Rainbow of My Own,Rainbow and You, Over the Rainbow and All the Colors of the Rainbow (please note these are not affiliate links). These titles are a mix of fiction, non-fiction and connections to songs, each of which present a unique opportunity to work on a variety of language skills.
3. Make Predictions (and your own rainbow)!
As a girl, I had a glass prism that I absolutely loved. I’d catch the sun and hop over rainbows on the carpet. If you have one of these, make predictions about what will happen when you hold the prism in different locations and discuss the reasons why.
If you don’t have a prism, try placing a small mirror in a glass of water. Position the glass so that the sun shines on the mirror and turn it until a rainbow is reflected onto the wall.
4. Sequencing
Ask students to explain the steps of the rainbow sequence. First, it begins to rain. Then, the sun shines through the rain. Finally, a rainbow appears.
5. Articulation
Didn’t you know rainbows are loaded with R and L sounds?
R: Red, Orange, Green, Purple
L: Yellow, Blue, Purple/Violet
Have you ever brought rainbows into your room on a rainy day? If so, I’d love to hear your ideas!
