Preschool

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...

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...

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...

Counting AssignmentsDirections Give your child household counting assignments. Have her count all the doorknobs in the house, or all the cans in the kitchen cupboard, or all the knives, forks, and spoons in the silverware drawer. You can adapt th...

Alphabet Book Materials Small notebook or loose sheets of paper Crayons or markers Old magazines Scissors Glue Photos of friends and family (optional)Directions This is a long-term project that is great for rainy afternoons. Help your child print...

Hand DrawingsMaterials Paper Crayons or markers Nail polish (optional) Sparkles or small beads GlueDirections Place your child's hands on a piece of paper and trace around them. Give your child crayons, markers, or nail polish and have her paint ...

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

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 ...

Backyard PicnicMaterials Blanket Picnic food Outdoor toys Directions You don't have to trek to the park to have a picnic. Set up a picnic in your own backyard: Spread out a blanket, set up the goodies, and bring out the balls and other outdoor to...

Fun with WordsDirections Ask your child to tell you what certain words mean to him. Pick out everyday words that he has likely heard before. Some suggestions to get you started: concrete, marriage, retire, divorce, bachelor, anniversary, occasio...

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...

Portable Flannel Board Materials Shoe box Felt Flannel scraps ScissorsDirections Cover the top of a shoe box with felt to make a small flannel board. Cut colored flannel scraps into various sizes and shapes, such as animals, cars, people, circles...

Homemade Fan Materials Paper Crayons or markers Directions Have your child draw a design on a piece of construction paper or plain paper and show her how to make a fan by folding the paper back and forth in one-inch folds. She can color one or bo...

What Am I? RiddlesDirections Make up riddles about animals, objects, or people for your child to solve. For an elephant you could say, "I am very large; I have a long trunk; I live in Africa. What am I?" For a fire truck, you may say, "I am big...

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...

Woven Mat for KwanzaaMaterials Black, red, and green construction paper Scissors Glue or staplerDirections Fold black construction paper in half to make a frame for the mat. Show your child how to cut from the folded edge to within one inch of th...

DreidelDreidel is the name of both the small spinning top used to play this game and of the game itself. Follow these directions to make your own dreidel, then read on for some fun dreidel games.  Materials Small, square milk or juice carton Pla...

Growing Plants Materials Seeds Shallow dish of water Planters Potting soilDirections Your preschooler will be fascinated to see how plants grow from seeds or cuttings. Soak seeds from an orange, apple, grapefruit, lemon, or lime in water for a da...