Most children enjoy the thrill of searching for and finding items. Engage the children in a kindergarten class in scavenger hunts to provide them with some fun and excitement. Take a stack of index cards with you, print letters or numbers on them and hide them around the classroom to reinforce letter and number recognition. Instead of hiding items, simply have students search for items that are already in the classroom. For example, ask them to find objects that begin with a specific letter to foster phonemic awareness. Once students find an item, have them return to a meeting area to share the items they found.
Get the kindergarteners excited about literature with a book box. Select a book that appeals to kindergarten children, for example "Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson or "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Select items or pictures that relate to the book you use, including a stuffed bear, a picture of a cave and a picture of someone sleeping for "Bear Snores On." Place the items in a box, pull one item out at a time and, as you show children the items, ask them if they can predict what the book will be about based on the items. After students make their predictions, read the book and determine if their predictions were correct. This activity gets them interested in reading and increases their comprehension.
Kindergarteners will be delighted to participate in show and tell. Have students look around the classroom for something to share with the class, or let them share something they have in their backpacks or in their desks. Invite students to show off and provide a description of their items. Not only will students be engaged, but they also will be entertained.
Give kids an opportunity to show off their creativity and get a little goofy with a few rounds of charades. Begin the game yourself, acting out a scene from a movie or as a different person, for example. The child who correctly guesses what or who you are acting as gets to take your place and put on her own performance.