A basic activity is to show children flashcards of colors and have them name the color. For most kindergarten-age children this is too simple, so including colors in other flashcard games allows children to increase their vocabulary on two topics at once. Animal flashcards, for instance, could require the children to name the animal and its color, for example ''a yellow duck.''
Kindergarten activities can also teach children about both the colors and basic shapes. The Hot Air Balloon Colors and Shapes activity includes a hot air balloon and a selection of shapes. The teacher simply instructs the class to color each shape a different color.
Children can develop an understanding of different shades of colors and bright and dark colors through study of the seasons. Talk to the class about when the seasons change and what is different about them. Ask them about the colors they associate with the times of year. In each season, take them out into the yard and get them to collect colorful items to classify into color groups. Fall leaves offer an opportunity to talk about concepts such as darker and lighter shades.
Children who have begun reading and writing can learn to write the names of the colors using handwriting sheets such as those offered at First-School.ws. Using worksheets as a guide, children can write the names of the colors in the appropriate color pen or pencil. For an extra challenge, they can be given worksheets in black or white to ensure they are reading the words on the page.
Set children up with challenges to reinforce their learning. Each week, decorate a desk in a different color and ask the children to bring in an object of that color to keep on the table. Allow children to show and tell their items and award a small prize for the most interesting item of the week.