Preschool

Pretend BakeryMaterials Aprons White paper lunch bag Rolling pin Cookie cutters Playdough Prepared cookie dough (optional) Plastic knife (optional) Cookie sheet (optional)Directions Give your child an apron and a white paper lunch bag to wear as ...

Stencil Painting Materials Thin cardboard Scissors Paper Tape Sponge or brush Tempera paint, liquidDirections Draw a design, letter, or animal shape on thin cardboard. Cut out the inside of the shape to make the stencil, and tape the stencil onto...

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...

Nature Colors Materials Plants and flowers collected on a walk Crayons PaperDirections Go on a walk with your child, and bring home a variety of plants and flowers, such as grass, leaves, dandelions, and so on. Spread them out on a table in your ...

Window Stenciling Materials Leaves in different shapes and sizes Masking tape Sponge Clothespins Tempera paint (orange, yellow, red, and brown), liquid Newspaper Directions On a fall walk with your child, collect several different types and color...

How to Make ShakersMaterials Plastic medicine bottles in various sizes, soap bottles, small pop-top juice cans, or small aluminum pie or tart pans Popcorn, rice, dried beans, pennies, and other noise-making items Glue gun or tapeDirections Collec...

Preschool can be a great time for children to have social experiences with their peers and to be positively influenced by other caring adults. ...

Christmas Candy CountdownMaterials 25 small candy canes, individual pieces of candy, or candy kisses (for each child) 1 bowl, candy dish, or empty coffee can (for each child)Directions Place twenty-five small candy canes, kisses, or other special...

Gingerbread People Materials Thin cardboard or brown construction paper Pen or marker Scissors Glue Lace, ribbon, fabric scraps Pieces of cereal, small candy, or licorice Directions Draw the outline of a gingerbread girl or boy on thin cardboard ...

Guessing Bag Materials Pillowcase or drawstring bag Small, unbreakable household objectsDirections Place a variety of small, unbreakable household objects inside a bag. Close the bag so the objects are not visible. Have your child feel the object...

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...

Papier-Mâché PiñataMaterials Large inflated balloon String Newsprint or other paper Papier-mâché paste Small toys and candy Crepe paper or tissue paper Paints Directions This is a great project to make for a birthday party or other special o...

Make a PinwheelMaterials Plain or construction paper Crayons, markers, glitter, stickers, and other decorative items Scissors Tape Paper fastener Cardboard cut into a small circle Straw, wooden dowel, or unsharpened pencil Directions Have your ch...

Sandpaper BlocksMaterials 2 4-inch pieces of a two-by-four piece of wood Sandpaper GlueDirections Glue sandpaper onto the wood, and rub together for an interesting sound. ...

The Pros and Cons of Preschool When your child is potty trained you have the option of sending her to preschool. Most preschool programs last a half day and provide structured activities and some preliminary studies to prepare your child for kin...

Make-Believe RestaurantMaterials Tablecloth or other linens Vase with flowers or other centerpiece Candle (optional) MenuDirections Use table linens, flowers (real or other) in a vase, and a candle. Take the customer's coat, show him to his seat,...

Find the Letter Materials Paper Scissors Pen or marker 3 plastic cups or coffee/tea mugs)Directions Cut out circles of paper small enough to hide beneath a cup or a mug. Write different letters on each circle. Place three tea or coffee cups on th...

Cut-Out Alphabet Puzzle for Toddlers and PreschoolersThis fun puzzle game can help teach kids the alphabet. In this activity, you'll cut out each letter and your child will try to identify and match up each one. Materials Index cards Pen or marke...