Lay three or four picnic blankets on the floor and place an equal number of jars, bottles, bowls and cutlery on each blanket; use plastic objects that are safe for young children to use. Divide the classroom into teams and ask each team to sit on one blanket. Prepare a sample packed basket and fold a blanket in front of the children, to show them the proper way to do both tasks. When you blow your whistle, children must pack up the objects and fold the blanket as quickly as possible. Allow them time to discuss their strategy while packing.
Prepare a scavenger hunt list that contains at least 20 items around the classroom. Since preschoolers generally cannot read yet, include drawings or pictures of the items. Divide the classroom into teams and distribute copies of the list. Inform teams about the rules of the game. Explain that if they make a plan, assigning specific items each team member has to find, then they will complete the hunt more quickly.
Divide the class into pairs. Ask one partner of each pair to be blindfolded. Then, rearrange the furniture in the room, moving the table slightly for example, or placing chairs in the middle of corridors. Place a red scarf on the other end of the room. Instruct the other member of each pair that she must be the navigator and tell her partner how to move towards the red scarf.
Give each student a shoebox, construction paper, crayons, markers, and glue and instruct him to make one train car. Students must discuss and agree on a train design and divide up the car assignments -- engine, passenger, cargo, caboose -- among themselves. Give children plenty of time to complete the project. Teach students to make a train whistle sound by blowing across the top of a plastic bottle.