Guided readingNon fiction: Rainbow facts

Fiction: The Magic Faraway Tree

Pack 7 & 8Year 3

Rainbow FactsBy Cool Kids Facts

Imagine there was just a huge rainstorm. You were safe from the rain in your house, but you looked outside as soon as it ended.

The sun was just starting to come out from behind the clouds, and the rain was starting to end. During this magical moment, however, you see a beautiful sight- a rainbow!

Rainbows are considered to be one of nature’s most special gifts, with many paintings and photographs taken of them.

They have also inspired many poems, songs, and other types of art. What is it about these gorgeous arches that make us love them so much?

Read more to find out some interesting facts about rainbows

How are rainbows formed?Rainbows are formed when light shines through water, like when the sun shines through the rain. This light is bent and reflected, like a reflection in a mirror, and this causes all of the amazing colours that you see.

Rainbows normally appear from the rain, but they can happen wherever light is being bent inside of water droplets. Rainbows can be seen in mist, fog, spray, and dew.

Rainbows are made up of all seven colours that come from light. These colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

A great way to remember these colours is the think of the acronym, which seems like a man’s name:

ROY G BIV.

Does everyone see the same rainbow?Actually, what makes rainbows so special is that no two people see the same exact thing. Since it all depends on how the light is being bent and reflected back to you, everyone sees something different.

Someone who looks like they are standing right underneath it to you will actually be looking at the rainbow and seeing it from far away.

Can you touch a rainbow?Rainbows are not an object or a thing and they cannot be touched. They are made up of light that is reflected and bent and you cannot feel light when it shines

Where is the end of a rainbow?There is no end to a rainbow. Even though they look like an arch to us, or an upside down letter U, rainbows are actually full circles.

We only see some of the circle because we usually view the rainbow from the ground.

Can you make your own rainbow?Yes, you can! All you need is the sun and a water hose (and an adult’s permission, of course). You need to stand with your back against the sun, so you are facing away from it.

Grab your garden hose – those with big nozzles on the ends usually work the best –  and turn on the water.

Now, put your other hand straight up in the air. Start spraying the water about halfway between the ground and your other hand, which is straight up in the air.

You should see a mini-rainbow right in your backyard!

Fun facts about rainbowsFormed when light bends and reflects through water.Can be seen in rain, mist, dew, and fog.

Made up of seven colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

No two people see the same exact rainbow.

The next time you are in a rainstorm, make sure you look for a rainbow!

Rainbow facts activities

Activity 1

Clarification

Read the text. Highlight any words you are unfamiliar with. As your grown-up to help you find the meaning of the words.

Word Meaning

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Activity 2

Looking

Find and copy the extract of the text that explains why we see rainbows as an arch.

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Activity 3

Thinking

Why do you think people have thought rainbows have been beautiful and special for a very long time?

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Draw a picture of a rainbow using the acronym in the text

The Magic Faraway Tree activities

Activity 1

Clarification

Read the text. Highlight any words you are unfamiliar with. As your grown-up to help you find the meaning of the words.

Word Meaning

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Activity 2

Looking

Find and copy the extract of the text that tells the reader why the children thought it would be fun to have Rick stay with them.

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Activity 3

Prediction

What do you think will happen in the enchanted wood tomorrow?

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