Are you looking for a fun and easy homemade sun catcher to brighten your windows this summer? Well, I have the perfect project for you and your preschooler – a rainbow sun catcher made with cardboard and tissue paper. Not only is this project simple and enjoyable, but it’s also a great way to teach your child about colors and the science of light. So, let’s get started!

Gather Materials for Your Homemade Sun Catcher

The first step is to gather all the materials you’ll need. You will need:

• A large, flat, piece of cardboard
• Tissue paper in various colors of the rainbow
• X-acto knife
• Glue
• Optional: Ribbon or string for hanging

Sketch a half circle

On your cardboard, sketch out a large half circle (or whatever shape you want to make your homemade sun catcher) using a pencil, draw a large cloud shape onto the piece of cardboard. Then, cut it out with scissors or an xacto knife.

Cut the Tissue Paper

Next, cut the tissue paper into small pieces. You will need pieces in all the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The smaller the pieces, the more detailed your homemade sun catcher will be!

Glue the Tissue Paper

Now it’s time to glue the tissue paper onto the cardboard rainbow. Begin with red tissue paper, gluing it onto the bottom of the cloud shape. Then, add the other colors in rainbow order, using one color for each layer. Be sure to overlap the tissue paper to create a blended effect. Let the glue dry completely.

Optional: Add a Ribbon or String to Your Homemade Sun Catcher

Once the glue is dry, add a ribbon or string to the top of the sun catcher so that it can be hung in a window or outside. And voila! Your rainbow sun catcher is complete.

Now that you have your beautiful homemade sun catcher, what are the benefits of using it outside with your preschooler? For starters, it’s a great way to teach your child about the colors of the rainbow and the way light passes through different materials. It also encourages creativity and imagination, as your child can watch the colors dance and change in the sunlight. Finally, it’s a great way to spend time outdoors, enjoying the beauty of nature together.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and create your own rainbow sun catcher today! And for even more fun and educational activities to do with your child this summer, be sure to check out my At Home Summer Play School eBook.