Lessons & Classroom Games for Teachers
Simple is Better
While in their formative years, children learn best through doing, which is why games and activities are an integral part of the preschool experience. Remember to select early childhood activities that are simple and require little explanation because children's minds tend to wander very quickly. Certain early childhood activities that require more one-on-one supervision should be done on the days when parent volunteers are available to attend the class.
These early childhood activities are a combination of games and crafts that are intended to be used in conjunction with learning about the letters J and K, but could easily fit into other units on animals, spring, summer, or the jungle.
Jars and Jungle Animals
Jars provide an excellent opportunity to examine matching and spatial relations. This activity requires a number of different sized and shaped jars and their corresponding lids. Remove the lids from the jars, and have the children try to match the lid with the jar.
Children love learning about exotic, wild places and animals like the jungle. Children can discover their inner jungle explorer with this simple craft that requires one large paper bag per child and paint, crayons, markers and stickers to decorate the bags. To begin, cut arm holes and a head hole in the bag. Children are then to decorate their jungle safari vests however they desire. Once the decorating is finished and the paint has dried, they can slip into their vests and explore the jungle.
Next, try this craft that focuses on the different animals of the jungle. Children are to draw an outline of their hand on a piece of light-colored construction paper. They are then to decorate this outline like their favorite jungle animal using markers, crayons, and scrap pieces of fabric. They can also decorate the background with features from the creature's natural environment such as grass or trees. After all the pictures are finished, go around the room and have the children try to guess which animal is which.
K is for Kite
While there aren't too many words in the English language that begin with the letter K, one of these words that most appeal to children is kite. Kites are fun to play with, and also provide an opportunity to learn about matching, like in this game. Make a number of large kites out of wallpaper or decorated pieces of cardstock. Cut each kite in half and have children try to locate the matching pairs of kites.
When spring arrives, use these early childhood activities. Children can make their own kites from paper plates, tissue paper, and streamers. Children can draw a design of their choosing on the paper plate, or cut one out of tissue paper and glue it to the plate. Glue some long streamers to one end of the paper plate, and punch a hole through the top of the plate to insert a piece of string. Wrap the other end of the string around a craft stick, and tape it firmly in place. Children are then free to take their kites outside on a windy day to watch them take flight!
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!
