Preschool

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 ...

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...

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...

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

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...

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. ...

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...

Felt Doll Materials Felt Pen or marker Cardboard Glue Scissors Scraps of yarn and fabric Shoe boxDirections Draw the shape of a person on a square of felt. The person should have clearly defined arms and legs, with the arms held away from the bod...

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...

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...

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 ...