Divide 10 index cards into pairs. On these cards, draw two each of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle and diamond. Lay the cards with the shapes down on the table. Mix up the cards so that the pairs are not next to each other. Have the children take turns pulling up two cards at a time. If the cards match, the child gets to keep the cards. The child with the most cards at the end of the game wins. This will help improve a child's memory function as well as help them to recognize shapes.
This game is especially popular, as it involves a treat. Walk around with a bag of animal crackers and have the children take out one cookie. The child should name the animal that he draws from the bag and make the noise or a body movement that would suggest that type of animal. After all of the children have had their turn, they get to eat the cookie. This game will help children recognize animals as well as learn a little about the different kinds of animals.
Make special bingo cards for the children. Instead of using B-I-N-G-O at the top of each card, use different colors and then fill the rest of the card with letters from the alphabet so as to not confuse the child. Call out the color with a corresponding letter and let the children cover that letter with a plastic bingo disc. The first child who makes a perfect line of discs on her card wins a special prize. This teaches children to recognize the names of their letters.
Write on separate cards numbers 0-10, along with the written word for the number and the corresponding number of dots. Cut these cards into different shapes for a special theme or leave them in a simple rectangle shape. Hide the cards around your classroom, back yard or school garden and have the children "hunt" for the card. The children will then work together to place the cards in numerical order as they find them.