- Definition
Colour is how we see light reflected off objects, like the red of an apple or the blue of the sky. We can describe colours by their name (hue), how light or dark they are (value), how bright or dull they are (intensity), and if they feel warm or cool.
An artist might use the colour yellow to make a sun look bright and warm.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Colour is like picking a crayon from the box — each one has its own name like red, blue, or yellow.
Ask your child: How does this colour make you feel?
Common mix-up: Kids may think colour is just its name, like 'red.' Colour also describes if it's light or dark, bright or dull, or feels warm or cool.
Examples
- Using the colour blue in a painting can make it feel calm or even a little sad.
- A bright red fire truck looks exciting, while a dull grey rock looks quiet.
- Mixing yellow and blue paint creates the new colour green.
colour is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+27 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
