Activities for Preschoolers

Keeping Your Preschooler Busy Mom Alert! Avoid reliance on rigid routine—it will only frustrate you and your child. Flexibility is the key to a good relationship with your preschooler. As your child grows, introduce new activities and avoid un...

Cup of WormsTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Clear glasses or cupsChocolate puddingCandied jelly wormsCocoa powder Directions Here is a playful party treat perfectly suited to preschool humor. Make the pudding together and spoon it into clear cups ...

Little ones love making crafts, but who has the time or money for the supplies you need to put together an amazing project? Good news - your children can make these five crafts for preschoolers using only four supplies or less. Tissue Paper Tre...

Where Do We Live?Materials Map of your city, town, or neighborhoodDirections Look for your city, town, or neighborhood on a map. Point out your home's location and the location of relatives' and best friends' homes. Find the school your child wil...

Christmas Dough OrnamentsDirections Make a batch of dough ornaments. Glue magnets to the backs for Christmas refrigerator decorations, hang from your Christmas tree as ornaments, give as Christmas gifts, or use as a finishing touch on wrapped gif...

String Block Printing Materials String or rope Small blocks of wood Tempera paint, liquid Shallow pan Paper Directions Wrap string or rope several times around a small block of wood. Tie it in place (make sure the rope is distributed evenly over ...

What's Missing? Memory GameTest your preschool child's memory skills. Can she tell what's missing in this fun game? Materials Various household objects or small toysDirections Test your preschooler's memory skills by placing a few toys or househ...

Scribble Drawing Materials Paper CrayonsDirections Show your child how to scribble on a piece of white paper with a crayon, using big circular motions to form loops. Then have your child color in each loop with a different color, creating a very ...

Framed Flowers Materials Flowers or leaves Crayon shavings Wax paper Newspaper Iron Directions Go out on a walk with your child and pick some pretty spring flowers or fall leaves. At home, make shavings of brightly colored crayons with a grater o...

Cloud WatchingDirections Climate is an important part of a region's geographic character. On a warm and lazy afternoon, lay down in the grass with your child and watch the clouds drift across the sky. Talk about how clouds are formed (water evapo...

Plaster Hand and FootprintsMaterials Patch plaster or plaster of Paris 1 1/4 cups water Tin can Mixing spoon Paper plates Picture hook (optional) Directions To make the plaster mix, stir two cups of patch plaster or plaster of Paris and one and a...

Music and MovementMaterials Homemade rhythm instruments, real musical instruments, such as piano or guitar, or recorded musicDirections The goal of this activity is to have your child experience movement as it relates to music or rhythm. Play dif...

Language PlayDirections Learn simple words in different languages. Teach your child to count to ten in other languages and to say simple words like "hello," "good-bye," and "thank you." Have a theme day when you locate a country on the map and ta...

Thumbprint Mice Materials Stamp pad Paper Crayons or markersDirections Have your child press her thumb on a stamp pad and then press it onto paper. Show your child how to draw a mouse tail and ears on the thumbprint to complete each mouse. Do thi...

Screentime doesn't have to be devoid of any educational value. These popular, award-winning apps for kids help your toddler, preschooler, and school-age child learn about science, reading, and more in a fun, interactive environment.  Looking f...

Picture a Story Materials Paper Crayons or markersDirections Have your child draw a series of four or five pictures. Have her then dictate a story to go with each picture. You can write the story on the bottom of the picture as it is told. ...

Finger-Paint Prints Materials Fingerpaint Plastic tabletop Large sheets of paper Directions You can purchase commercial fingerpaint, or you can make your own. Place a small amount of fingerpaint onto a plastic tabletop, and have your child mess a...

Circle DancesDirections Circle dances are a great way to stress body movement. Whether you dance with several children or just one, circle dances can be a lot of fun. Try old favorites like Hokey Pokey, Looby Loo, Ring around the Rosie, Mulberry ...