Learning the shapes is an important skill for other types of learning children will do later. Playing shapes bingo is a game that children will enjoy and that teaches a valuable skill. Bingo cards are available to print out from a number of websites (see Resources), or you can easily create your own. Each child should have a card with the same shapes but in a random order under each letter in the word "bingo." Make several master call cards with all the shapes, cut them out and place them in a hat. Markers can be small rocks, pennies or buttons. Give each child a card and some markers. Draw a shape from the hat, call it out and then show them the shape. The first child to fill in a complete row is the winner.
Preschool is a time when children start learning about numbers. A watermelon seed counting game will help them practice and learn to count. Print out a picture of a half watermelon slice with 20 seeds per child (see Resources). Give each pupil the same color of crayons. Print out cards with numbers 1 to 10. Mix them up and place them face down. Draw a card and show the number. Pick a color and have the children color that many seeds with the color chosen. Repeat this activity several more times to use all numbers.
Pattern learning is an important skill that will help with other learning as the child grows older. You will need beads, two colors of straws, scissors and string. Make a sample necklace for demonstration. Cut a piece of string long enough to drape around the child's neck loosely and allow enough string for tying the necklace together. If using straws, show the children how to cut the straw in one-inch lengths. Have the pupils copy your pattern or create their own. Tie a large knot at one end of the string to keep beads or straws from sliding off. String the beads or straws on in a pattern and then tie the loose end. Finally, tie the two ends together.
Color identification is a basic skill that is important for pupils to know. Making a color sorter will help with color learning. You will need a Styrofoam egg carton, paint, pen, and small colored trinkets such as beads or buttons in colors such as blue, red, green, yellow, white, orange and black. Paint the outside of the lid white. Paint a dot of each color and write the name of the color underneath. On the inside, paint each cup a different color. When dry, place the matching colored trinket in the cup of the correct color.