Lessons & Classroom Games for Teachers
When instructing preschool, it's best to keep the lessons simple and straightforward. One of the most important preschool lessons is the alphabet and its many letters. Many preschool teachers like to devote one or two days to each letter, exploring the sound it makes and some of the words that begin with that letter. Some like to spend up to a week on each of these preschool lessons, integrating stories, games, activities and crafts into their teaching.
The Letter F: Fish, Flowers and Freeze Tag
Children love learning about animals, and many are fascinated by underwater creatures like fish. When learning about the letter F, try some of these fish-themed activities.
Fill a number of small balloons with water. Let each child decorate a balloon with markers and fins to resemble fish. Place the balloons in the water table or pool and watch them swim around. For added fun, let the children try to catch the fish balloons with a large fishnet.
Here's a game called "Fish in the Ocean" where one child is selected to be the shark, and the others have to cross from one side of the room to the other without being eaten by (tagged by) the shark. Once a fish is tagged by the shark, they join the shark in catching more fish. The game is over once everyone becomes a shark.
Another great way to teach preschool lessons about the letter F is by learning about flowers. Try this activity called Planting Flowers, which will require a little preparation at home. To begin, cut at least 10 flower shapes from construction paper or magazines and glue these flowers to Popsicle sticks. Next, draw the numbers one through ten on recipe cards with a black marker. Finally, fill a flower pot with sand. On the day of the activity, have children draw one of the number cards, and plant that number of flowers in the sand pot.
Children love games where they get to freeze suddenly, as it gives them a chance to test out and show off their mobility skills. Once the weather warms up, try a game of Freeze Tag, where one child is selected to be "it". If a child is tagged by the child who is it, they must freeze in that spot with their arms straight out. The only way to become unfrozen is if another child runs beneath one of their arms.
Another classic freeze game is Freeze Dance. To begin, play some music and have the children dance. Shut the music off and yell "FREEZE", and the children must stop exactly where they are and freeze in that position. They can resume dancing once the music is turned back on.
The Letter G: Groceries
One of the best ways to explore the letter G is by learning about groceries, which ties in nicely with a unit about food, or fruits and vegetables. For this game, called "Grocery Sort" set up a few grocery store shelves and give child some food items, either real or fake. They must then sort the groceries as they see fit.
Another great way to learn about groceries is by making a series of grocery cards by drawing pictures on index cards or cutting them out of magazines and gluing them to the cards. Make sure there are two of each item so that card games like go fish and concentration can be played with these food item cards.
The possibilities here are endless for these preschool lessons. Just observe all the things in the grocery aisles and in nature around us to keep the ideas fresh and fun.
Mary Robinson has been teaching preschool for well over a decade. You can get instant access to her preschool activities, crafts, and lesson plans by visiting her website:
For a limited time, all visitors to Mary's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Preschool Teachers and Parents Make". Go get your free copy today!
