Place several small objects on a tray, either random small toys or household items or selected objects related to a theme. For example, if you are studying ocean life, place a sea shell, a piece of coral and several small toy fish on the tray. Let the child inspect and handle the items. Then cover the tray with a towel. Place your hand under the towel and remove one of the items from the tray. Remove the towel and ask the child to tell you what object is missing. Return the object to the tray and remove a different object.
Find objects related to your theme and hide them throughout your classroom or home. If you're studying colors, give each child an object or paper cut-out. Hide a matching item in the home. Ask the children to find the matching objects and bring them to you.
Play "Hot or Cold." Hide an object that relates to your theme. Assign one child to find the object, while the other children give the cues, "hot," if he is getting close to the hidden object and "cold," if he is moving away from it.
Play matching or comparison games. Lay matching objects on the table and ask children to find their match. For example, place several different types of fruit on the table if you are discussing nutrition. Or lay several fruits on the table and add cheese or bread. Ask the children to tell you which object doesn't belong.
Fill a cookie tray with sand or cornmeal. Show the children how to write individual letters or even words in the tray. Shake the tray slightly to use it again. Show the children three or four magnetic alphabet letters. Then show them objects that start with the letters. Have the children match the objects to the letters.