Take a colour-noticing walk

This walk has a simple purpose: notice what is already there. You can complete it on one street, in a garden or along an indoor corridor. Matching does not need to be exact; a rusty gate can be orange, brown or both.

What you need

• A sheet of paper folded into four sections
• Four crayons chosen by your child
• Comfortable clothing for your route and weather
• An adult companion throughout the walk

Before leaving

Colour one patch in each section of the paper. Choose a short, familiar route and agree where everyone will stay together. An adult manages road crossings and other hazards. This is a looking activity: leave unknown plants, berries, litter and animal traces untouched, and stay out of other people's gardens.

Look for your colours

1. Start at your own door and find the first match before moving on.
2. Let your child point, describe or name what they notice. A spoken answer is enough; nothing needs to be collected.
3. Pause somewhere safe to make a small crayon mark or drawing beside each colour you find.
4. Look for a second version of one colour. Is the green gate the same green as the leaves?
5. Stop after a few discoveries, even if one colour remains unmatched. An unfinished card is a reason to notice something tomorrow, not a failed walk.

Make it your own

For a younger child, use only two colours. Older children can look for light and dark versions, patterns or a colour they did not expect. If going outside is inconvenient, play from a comfortable seat and look around one room.

At home, wash hands as usual and put outdoor things away. Add a quick drawing of the favourite discovery, then display the card or reuse its blank side. Ask which colour was easiest to find and let the conversation go wherever it goes.

Illustrative photo for this preview activity. Photo: Jamie Street / Unsplash.