Outdated wallpaper sample books are sometimes available for free from local stores. Cut out squares of wallpaper -- both solid colors and repeating patterns, such as plaids and stripes. Make sure to have pairs. To play this memory game, turn all the squares face down on the table. Each player turns over two cards, trying to make a match. If the squares match, the cards are kept by the player; it they don't match, they are turned over again. Continue playing until all pairs have been found.
Parents and teachers can make learning boards by attaching colored circles, and drawing numbers and alphabet letters on a sheet of paper or cardboard. Give each child a "swatter," such as a fly swatter or rubber spatula, and ask him to swat the answer when the question is asked. For example when asked, "Where is red?" the child swats the red circle. Continue playing as long as there is interest.
Take an old deck of playing cards and pull out all the heart numeric cards. Cut each card crosswise in half, zigzagged like a puzzle piece. Put the pieces into a basket or bag and invite the children to sort through the cards and match the pairs. According to the age and development of the child, prepare and use the other suits -- spades, diamonds and clubs.
On index cards, draw and label facial features, such as ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hair and neck. Make several of each feature and place these into a box. This game can be played in teams or individually. Provide a chalkboard and chalk, and draw an oval on the board. The child draws a card from the box and begins to draw what is on the card. Continue playing until the full face is completed.
Write alphabet letters on small squares of cardboard. Purchase plastic Easter eggs and place one letter in each egg. Store the eggs in a basket. The children can crack open the eggs and place the letters in alphabetical order on the table or form simple words with the letters. When finished, store the letters in the eggs for future play.