Math activities encourage numeracy and logic skills. Count the spots on a ladybug or the number of fish drawn on a blackboard. Show a child two numbers and ask them to identify the larger one. Depending on the age of the child, simple addition and subtraction can be taught using items around the room.
Matching activities teach pattern and color recognition as well as reasoning skills. Give children one item such as a pencil or toy. Hide matching items and encourage children to search for them. Matching activities can also be done on the whiteboard or blackboard. Ask children to match the shapes or colors. Another activity that encourages logic is completing mazes. Draw or print out a maze and encourage children to find the exit using a marker.
Learning the alphabet and simple words can be turned into a fun activity children love. Complete handwriting worksheets and practice writing out each letter of the alphabet. Write one letter of the alphabet and challenge children to name as many items they can see that start with that letter. One group activity that encourages literacy is the game Hangman. On a whiteboard or sheet of paper draw a line for each letter of a word along with an upside down letter L shape. Allow children to take turns guessing the letters in the word. If the letter is correct fill it in above the line. If it is incorrect, draw a stick figure body part underneath the letter L shape. Children must guess the letter before the stick figure is complete.
Creativity is an important skill that should be encouraged from an early age. Activities that utilize this skill include painting, drawing, collage and crafts such as necklace beading. Art activities require little guidance. Allow children access to paints, pencils, clay, glue, glitter and other miscellaneous craft supplies and supervise their creativity at work. Large scale art activities such as mural painting help foster a sense of teamwork as well as encourage imagination and creativity.
Physical activities develop fine and gross motor skills and encourage important attributes such as teamwork, cooperation and fairness. Some physical activities for young children include skipping, leapfrog, tag, hopscotch and team games such as hide and go seek and dodge ball.