Use cards and colored manipulatives, such as colored bears or blocks, to help students identify and match colors. The cards will have the name of each color written on them as well as the color so students can associate the name with the color. Adult helpers can talk about the color, for example, "Here is the red block. Where is the red card?" Students can then move the red block to the red card. This activity helps introduce students to colors.
Old coffee cans or containers can be used for color sort activities. Wrap colored construction paper around the outside of each container. Children can then use manipulatives of many colors, sorting each color into its proper container. Children can play this game alone, after learning the color match activity, to reinforce colors through manipulative use.
Imitating patterns helps students learn colors through repetition. Use blocks, bears or beads to create a basic pattern on the table, such as yellow, yellow, green. Assist children with continuing the pattern. Make the activity a game by allowing each child to take the lead and create a pattern for the adult to copy or continue.
Children love to make things to wear. Help them string a colorful bead necklace. Add three different colored beads to a shoestring or other threading material. Encourage students to make a pattern with the beads and name the bead colors as they are added to the string. Separate the beads into color-coded containers to make finding certain colors easier for students.