Running out of ideas to keep your kindergarten gang entertained. You’re in luck! Every moment with your little ones is a golden opportunity to teach and learn. With the right activities, you can turn everyday fun into valuable lessons that foster growth, develop important skills, and refine existing ones. And we’ve got just the thing – 41 engaging hands-on kindergarten activities to inspire exploration and joy in your classroom.
Maths Activities
Transform math into an exciting adventure for kids. For those tiny tots who may not have developed a love for numbers just yet, here’s a chance to turn that frown upside down. Bring numeracy to life.
Superhero Craft
Superheroes are often the first role models kids look up to, making them an excellent tool for engaging young minds in a classroom setting. By leveraging their love of superheroes, educators can create interactive and educational activities that foster creativity and learning. A simple paper craft project is one such example; having students trace shapes like triangles and rectangles, teachers can turn a fun activity into a valuable lesson.
The best part: this project requires minimal supplies that are likely already stocked at home, making it easy for kindergarten teachers to implement in their daily routine.
Rainbow Roll and Cover Math Game
For parents seeking to impart numerical literacy and recall abilities to their children, these math activities are an excellent starting point. The roll and cover game not only serves as an engaging way to introduce basic addition and subtraction concepts, but also provides a platform for exploring primary colors when teaching the basics of color theory.
This craft-based approach offers a dual benefit – not only does it provide an enjoyable learning experience, but its visually appealing rainbow design ensures that your child will be eager to learn more.
Paper Plate School Bus Craft
As summer comes to a close, it’s time to transition back into a routine for your little ones. One fantastic way to do this is by tackling a fun and engaging craft project that refines their skills while keeping them entertained. For this particular activity, gather a few simple supplies: a paper plate, some vibrant markers, and a pair of trusty scissors.
By incorporating colors, shapes, and other creative elements, you’ll not only keep the kids busy but also encourage their imagination and interaction – making it an absolute blast for everyone involved.
Build Geometric Shapes with Marshmallows
When it comes to teaching toddlers basic geometry, it’s essential to take an approach that’s both engaging and accurate. Rather than relying solely on two-dimensional representations, consider using three-dimensional shapes as a starting point. This hands-on method not only fosters a deeper understanding of spatial relationships but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
To make the experience even more enjoyable for your young students, be prepared to exercise patience and have some fun props at your disposal – think marshmallows, toothpicks, and other creative materials. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find a way to sneak in some s’mores-themed geometry lessons, complete with graham crackers and chocolate.
Numbers Bingo
Bingo isn’t just for seniors anymore. Regardless of age, from toddlers to adults, this classic game can bring people together and create an engaging experience. For young children, bingo can be a valuable tool in teaching numbers, with its interactive and fun approach. When playing number bingo with your toddler, you can use the game as a way to reinforce their understanding of numerals, making learning a delightful experience.
The excitement of calling out numbers and watching marbles move around the board can be quite thrilling for little ones. As an added bonus, the positive reinforcement that comes with marking off numbers and earning rewards can further enhance the experience.
Button Counting Game
The allure of buttons lies not only in their visual appeal, but also in the wealth of learning opportunities they present. With an array of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes to explore, you can engage your kids in a delightful learning experience right from the comfort of your own home.
Shape Scavenger Hunt
Spending quality time with little ones outdoors is an excellent way to encourage their connection with nature. The great outdoors offers endless opportunities to learn and have fun. One engaging approach is to take your children on a scavenger hunt, where they can collect various objects found in nature. This activity not only promotes exploration but also fosters an appreciation for the different shapes, textures, and forms that exist outside.
As you venture out together, consider incorporating this experience into your teaching by pointing out the unique characteristics of each object. For instance, you could have your child identify different leaf shapes or recognize various types of rocks. By combining education with play, you can create a memorable experience for your preschoolers that will leave a lasting impact.
Craft Stick Shape Mats
As the sun beats down during summer’s peak, our popsicle sticks pile up, just waiting to be repurposed into something creative. Why not corral these craft supplies and spend an hour with your little one, combining learning and fun through shape mates? Not only will they develop their fine motor skills, but you’ll also witness the emergence of basic math concepts alongside.
Spring Flowers Math Game
As the seasons transition from winter to spring and summer, vibrant flowers take center stage on my list of favorite things about these periods. Their perpetual bloom offers a valuable lesson for children – an opportunity to learn and grow alongside nature. To capitalize on this experience, I recommend downloading and printing the accompanying template to guide you through a fun and educational activity that will help your child develop their counting, addition, and problem-solving skills.
Popcorn Counting Mat
The humble snack can be a game-changer when it comes to engaging kids in activities. Not only does it provide a tasty reward, but it also offers an opportunity for learning and skill-building. Take, for example, this interactive popcorn counting mat. As you pop the kernels together, use the template to guide your child through the process of counting and recording the results.
This simple yet effective activity can help develop important math skills while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Water Pouring
Water play can be incredibly engaging for young children. One simple yet effective activity is pouring colored water from a pitcher into cups or glasses. The possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with different colors and viscosities. To make the experience even more enjoyable, don’t forget to provide an ample supply of paper towels to soak up any spills that may occur during the play.
Literacy Activities
Stuck on how to instill a love for writing and reading in your children? Fear not! With these engaging, hands-on exercises, you’ll be well on your way to fostering their literacy skills.
Name Writing Activities
In the early stages of learning, it’s crucial for young toddlers and preschoolers to develop the fundamental skill of spelling and writing their own names. This simple yet vital ability sets the foundation for future literacy skills and builds confidence in their academic journey. A practical way to encourage this development is by providing printed worksheets or lesson plans that allow them to practice tracing out their name, reinforcing the connection between letters and written words.
Name Recognition Activity
To lay the foundation for writing their names, it’s essential to first help your children develop recognition skills. This milestone is crucial, and there are numerous engaging ways to facilitate learning. One approach is to leverage rhyming activities, letter blocks, and worksheets that cater to your child’s unique learning style. Alternatively, you can create a memorable experience by setting a fun song with a catchy melody that spells out their name.
By doing so, you’ll be providing a solid foundation for future writing endeavors.
Word Build with Blocks
To get started with this engaging activity, make sure you have a few essential supplies ready: white label stickers, markers, and building blocks (wood or foam will work well). Additionally, take some time to plan out the words you want to teach your children. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials and applied the letters to the blocks, simply invite your kids to join in and begin the activity.
Alphabet Clip Card
Transforming alphabet clipboards into interactive learning tools is an effortless process. By simply designing the format, downloading the template, and printing it out, you can create a fun-filled learning experience for kids. The versatility of these clipboards lies in their ability to accommodate various activities such as coloring, letter recognition, and creative play.
To make it even more durable and convenient, consider laminating the clipboard, allowing you to carry it around whenever needed. For added creativity, gather essential materials like clothespins, pom poms, and dot markers, and get ready to unleash your child’s imagination.
Ice Cream Letter Matching
When teaching kids about letters, it’s crucial to emphasize not only the recognition of individual letterforms but also their corresponding uppercase and lowercase versions. A fun and engaging way to drive this point home is by using printable templates in the shape of ice cream cones. Simply download the free resources, grab some scissors, and cut out the cones into scoops.
The upper portion of each scoop will feature the uppercase letters, while the cone itself will showcase the lowercase alphabet. This tactile activity not only reinforces letter recognition but also helps children develop essential fine motor skills.
Penguin CVC Word Activity
Penguin enthusiasts are a common sight, especially among children. I recall visits to the zoo where all I wanted to do was get up close and personal with those adorable penguins. If your little ones share this enthusiasm, consider transforming it into an engaging writing exercise that targets CVC words and basic decoding skills. This activity is perfect for a chilly evening spent indoors or after a long day of outdoor play.
Salt Tray Writing
As your child’s spelling and writing skills improve, it’s essential to focus on developing their handwriting abilities as well. One engaging way to do so is by incorporating texture and color into the activity. Try having them practice writing on colored sand. Simply find a sunken tray, fill it with vibrant hues, and you’re ready to go. This unique approach not only helps refine their handwriting but also fosters creativity and imagination.
Alphabet Sensory Bin
Incorporating sensory play into learning activities can be a game-changer when it comes to keeping kids engaged and entertained. For young children, the thrill of discovering new textures, sounds, and sights is all part of the fun. Take, for example, a hands-on alphabet activity that combines sensory exploration with fine motor skills development.
By filling bins with alphabet blocks, you can create an immersive experience that lets your child delight in the tactile sensation of searching for letters.
Alphabet Rocks
Why not take your alphabet block playtime to the next level with a fun and creative twist? Try using alphabet rocks instead. Not only will this activity help your little ones learn their letters, but it’s also a great way to spend quality time together doing a craft project. Simply set up a space at home, like the kitchen island, with newspapers and paper towels on hand to catch any spills. Then, let your kids’ creativity shine by painting bright, colorful letters onto rocks.
Once the paint is dry, you can dive into the learning aspect of the activity, making it a well-rounded and engaging experience for everyone involved.
Playdough Word Cards
As you and your kids wrap up their rock-painting adventure, it’s natural to crave something even more tactile and engaging. That’s where playdough comes in – a timeless classic that never fails to bring smiles. Forming shapes and creating letters with this versatile medium is a surefire way to spend quality time together without needing any elaborate setup.
Magnetic Letter Match
When it comes to teaching children the alphabet, magnets can be a valuable tool. Not only do they provide a sense of freedom and flexibility in terms of letter placement, but they also make learning fun and interactive. You can purchase magnetic letters online or create your own using materials you have at home. This hands-on activity is particularly well-suited for young children, such as those in kindergarten, who are just beginning to learn the fundamentals of reading and spelling.
Growth Mindset Activities
It’s crucial to prioritize mental well-being and emotional intelligence in young children, setting them up for a lifetime of resilience and positivity. These activities are designed to foster a sense of self-acceptance and appreciation in kids, helping them develop healthy habits and a more optimistic outlook.
Cat Growth Mindset Writing Activity
Kickstart your kindergarten class’s festive season with this fun Christmas cat writing activity. To make it happen, gather essential supplies like crayons, white cardstock, scissors, glue, and a pencil. Additionally, don’t forget to download the printable worksheets that will serve as the foundation for your students’ creative work.
Gratitude Tree
At the core of every positive experience lies gratitude – a quality essential for fostering healthy relationships and personal growth. In today’s world, it’s crucial for children to develop a sense of appreciation and gratitude from an early age, laying the foundation for their future success as empathetic and responsible individuals. One fun way to teach kids about gratitude is through creative activities like crafting.
For instance, try creating a ‘gratitude tree’ with your little ones around Thanksgiving. This interactive project not only encourages artistic expression but also sparks meaningful conversations about what they’re thankful for.
Gratitude Ornaments
As we explored the concept of cultivating gratitude, let’s take it a step further by creating little ornaments that represent the tree. These ‘ornaments’ are simply gratitude cards filled with personal reflections on the things that bring us joy and appreciation. This activity is an ideal opportunity to bond with your child while engaging in meaningful conversations about what you’re grateful for.
Take some time to sit down together, reflecting on the good things in life, and create these heartfelt ornaments to add to the tree.
Selfie Planters
This innovative selfie planter embodies the concept of a growth mindset, serving as a tangible representation of a child’s progression from one stage of life to another. Its unique design allows for creative expression, as users can shape it using plaster and recycled materials or transform it with paint and decorations. Once crafted and fully dry, simply add soil and seeds, water, and wait as the plant flourishes.
Drawing Emotions
While LEGO mini-figures may seem like simple plastic toys at first glance, they can actually convey a remarkable range of emotions when you take the time to really look at them. The subtleties of expression on these tiny faces can be incredibly detailed, making them an excellent subject for practicing and refining your drawing skills.
One of the best things about drawing LEGO faces is that it provides a unique opportunity to explore and experiment with capturing different emotions and expressions. It’s also a great way to engage in conversations with children about feelings and how to creatively express and channel them.
Acts of Kindness Cards
Teaching children the value of kindness is a powerful way to shape their character and foster a sense of empathy and compassion. By making random acts of kindness a daily habit, kids learn that even small actions can have a profound impact on others. To help your little ones develop this valuable skill, I’ve created printable random acts of kindness cards for you to download and print.
Use these cards as a guide for your child to perform one act of kindness each day or week, allowing them to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from making a positive difference in someone’s life.
Creative Activities
Nourishing the spirit, creativity allows us to tap into our inner world, fostering a sense of freedom and joy. When engaging with children, it’s essential to create an environment that encourages their imagination to flourish, allowing for unbridled fun and exploration.
Playdough
Allowing your child’s creativity to flourish through playdough art is a wonderful way to nurture their artistic talents. This tactile activity not only encourages self-expression but also provides a platform for them to channel their thoughts and emotions. However, the cost of commercial playdough can be prohibitive. A more practical and budget-friendly approach is to create your own homemade playdough at home.
With its non-toxic and child-friendly properties, this recipe is perfect for parents seeking a fun and engaging way to stimulate their little one’s creativity. You can easily whip up a batch today and explore the many development activities available for 1-year-olds.
Painting with Shaving Cream
Sitting on the kitchen counter, watching my dad shave is a fond childhood memory of mine. The shaving cream fascinated me, and I’m sure many kids share this enthusiasm. Who knows, perhaps your little ones are also captivated by the frothy texture? Why not try making a batch of homemade shaving cream paints with your kiddos? Combine the creamy foam with acrylics for an intriguing mix that’s ripe for exploration.
As you experiment and get creative, you might just stumble upon some novel techniques to add to your artistic arsenal.
Father’s Day Photo Frame Craft
Give your dad a thoughtful Father’s Day gift by letting your child create a unique collage frame. This handmade project checks all the boxes: it’s personal, budget-friendly, and a great way to spend quality time together. To get started, gather these supplies: Cardboard Scissors Collage materials Markers Hot glue gun Once you have everything ready, let your child’s creativity shine by adding as much glitter and sparkle as they like.
This special keepsake is sure to be treasured for years to come.
Fingerprint Tree
While painting with fingers and hands remains an ageless pursuit, there’s another creative outlet that’s just as captivating: using fingerprints to craft unique masterpieces. Whether you’re a young artist or an adult looking for a fun activity, this technique is sure to bring out your inner Picasso. To create a beautiful fingerprint tree as a thoughtful gift for your teacher, begin by sketching the trunk and branches onto a canvas or paper.
Then, use your fingertips to imprint the paint, creating a stunning visual representation of nature’s intricate patterns.
Heart Yarn Art
For beginners of all ages, this project offers an engaging and rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a fun activity to share with your preschooler or create as a thoughtful gift for mom, dad, or friend, look no further. All it takes is a wooden plank, some nails, rubber bands, and string (or yarn) to bring your masterpiece to life.
Blow Painting with Straws
There’s something truly special about introducing young preschoolers to innovative and unconventional art mediums. These unstructured outlets empower their creativity, allowing it to flourish and evolve. Take, for instance, the simplicity of abstract painting using just a straw, some paints, and the power of a child’s breath.
This activity not only fosters a sense of artistic expression but also provides a unique opportunity for developing essential skills such as oral motor coordination, lung strength, endurance, and hand-eye coordination, all from the comfort of home.
Foil Moon Craft
Crafting with preschoolers can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re struggling for ideas. But fear not, a simple household item like aluminum foil can be just the trick to spark some creativity and sensory fun. For instance, transforming it into a moon-inspired project is an excellent way to engage your little ones while also teaching them about our celestial neighbor.
It’s a win-win situation that will surely leave you both with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Leaf People
As a child, I was convinced that the natural world held secrets waiting to be uncovered. The idea of leaf people wasn’t far-fetched for someone with an inquisitive mind like mine. What’s fascinating about these imaginary friends is their one-of-a-kind essence, which can only be shaped by your imagination. Want your leaf person to have a vibrant orange hue and piercing pink eyes? Then that’s exactly how they’ll come to life.
Rainbow Heart Paper Weave
Developing weaving skills in preschoolers is a great way to foster hand-eye coordination, encourage creativity, and simply have fun creating something new and unique. One excellent example of this is the rainbow-colored heart paper weave. This project is sure to delight both you and your child as you work together with the pattern, exploring the world of colors and textures.
Q-Tip Skeleton
If you’re looking for a fun and creative DIY project that’s perfect for Halloween or any time of the year, consider making skeletons out of Q-tips. These adorable and spooky little critters are not only easy to make but also inexpensive and widely available. The best part is: you can customize them to fit your unique style and personality. To get started, simply grab a handful of Q-tips and some glue, and let your creativity shine.
Coffee Filter Butterfly
As you savor your next cup of coffee, pause to appreciate the humble coffee filter. Its delicate texture might remind you of the intricate wings of a butterfly. This serendipitous inspiration can be transformed into a charming craft project. Gather your materials: coffee filters, paints, googly eyes, and basic crafting supplies. With these simple ingredients, you’ll be fluttering towards creativity in no time.
Simple Paper Mache
Transforming ordinary days into extraordinary experiences with your preschooler is just a sheet of paper away. Paper mache, a simple yet engaging activity, allows your little one to unleash their creativity while feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not only does it provide an entertaining outlet for their energy, but it also presents an opportunity to nurture their crafting skills and lay the foundation for future artistic endeavors.
As you work together on this project, cherish the moments when your child’s eyes light up with excitement and their imagination runs wild.
Water Balloon Painting
Eager for a creative adventure with a dash of unpredictability: Combine balloons and paints for an exhilarating water balloon painting experience that will captivate your little ones. As they dive into the activity, get prepared for a splashy mess. Stock up on paper towels to contain the excitement – after all, a few spills and splatters are just part of the fun.