Online games and puzzles for preschoolers are a good activity they can do on their own or with a grownup. Besides some game websites (see Resources), look at the websites of TV shows or networks that offer programs for this age group. Examples of popular online games are coloring games, counting and matching games and games involving the alphabet.
Printed puzzles are great to hand out when you want to give your preschool students something to do in their seats or to take home and do with their parents. Simple crossword puzzles, matching games, word searches and simple sudoku puzzles can be done by preschoolers. Matching games and sudoku should use pictures or symbols instead of words or numbers. Crosswords and word searches for this age should have the word list spelled out, use short words and only have words reading from left to right.
Toy stores have many puzzle toys for preschoolers. Wooden puzzles that have a base that holds the individual pieces are popular with this age group. Jigsaw puzzles with large pieces are also a good choice. Some of these have a cardboard background or base that shows the shapes of the pieces. Many teacher supply catalogs and websites also offer these types of puzzles.
Preschoolers love to play tic-tac-toe. They also like hangman if you pick simple words they are able to read. Another game that is good for preschoolers is called dots. You draw several rows of dots, so you have the framework of a grid. Players take turns drawing one line to connect two dots that are next to each other. Their goal is to fill in a square by drawing the fourth side while trying not to give their opponents a chance to complete squares. The child who completes the most squares wins.