Use the toys in the classroom for the game. Also use children's personal belongings and the classroom craft supplies. The game is versatile enough to allow for different materials, but it is time consuming. The game will use a fair amount of time, so plan for a space of 15 to 45 minutes to complete with preschoolers.
Play this game during cleanup time. Personal items need to be cleaned up after nap time, toys need to be put away after free time and craft items need to be removed after craft time. Playing any cleanup game motivates preschool students to pick up what they have put down. Playing this specific game not only motivates the class but teaches alliteration while the kids clean and play.
Instruct children to listen to your words, and when you say a word that has the same first sound as their name, they will pick up items which begin with the same sound. Mix up the words for a challenge. For example, you will say, "Cake, Joe. Joke, Joe." Joe will stand up and pick up the jacks and the jump rope on the floor. If no items begin with the child's name, give the child a different sound, so he can find objects beginning with that sound. Repeat the same process for crafts and personal items. Do not allow children to pick up others' personal items, however.
Review with the children during literacy time. Talk about words that start with the same sound and make word wall lists. If you have an Xavier in your class, for example, allow this child to shine during the review stage by highlighting words that begin with the "X" sound. Children with unusual names, such as Xavier, will only be able to participate in the cleanup games with the teacher's imagination and assistance.