Go to the library or the local book store. Find picture books that help introduce preschoolers to clowns. Select picture books with colorful illustrations, energetic rhyme patterns and fascinating plots that will attract young children. Some examples of books for preschoolers that teach them about clowns are "'C Is for Clown" by Stan Berenstain and "Clown" by Quentin Blake. Share picture books about clowns with preschoolers during story time.
Preschoolers can create a crown collar to wear using coffee filters and food coloring. Provide each child with coffee filters and show them how to use eyedroppers filled with food coloring to color the filters. Allow the coffee filters to dry flat. Fold the coffee filters in half and use tape to secure them together in a line. Help preschoolers wear the collars by draping them around their necks and securing the ends with tape.
In dramatic play situations, preschoolers learn social skills like sharing, taking turns, cooperation, listening and negotiation. Create a clown prop box by filling an empty box or chest with items children can use to dress up as clowns. Some ideas include wigs, clown noses, extra-large colorful shirts, men's shoes and bow ties. Add face paint, horns, a megaphone and a microphone. Put the clown prop box in the dramatic play area and encourage preschoolers to become clowns.
"Pin the Nose on the Clown" is similar to the "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" game except it is played using a clown theme. Draw and color a clown face on a piece of poster board. Create a clown nose for each child by putting double-sided tape on a red pompom. Hang the clown face on the wall at the eye level of the preschoolers. One at a time, blindfold each preschooler and encourage him to walk toward the clown to stick the nose on the clown. The child who pins his clown nose closest to the correct location wins.