Compare/Contrast
- Magnetic/Not Magnetic
- Sink/Float
- Transparent/Not Transparent
- Hard/Soft
- Rough/Smooth
- Thin/Fat
Copy Me
- Use two trays and gather duplicate items. You and your child should have the exact same items. Arrange the items on your tray and have child copy it.
- Draw a picture one shape at a time. Child should copy along.
Estimating
- How many steps will it take to get to ...?
- How many items are in...?
- How much time will it take to...?
Games
- LRC (Left, Right, Center)
- Simon Says
- Mother May I?
Matching
- Pair
- Shadow
Patterns
- Put beads on a pipe cleaner in a pattern. Have child finish the pattern.
- Button Snake
Scooping and Pouring - transfer items from one container to another.
- Tools - cups, spoons, syringes, basters, tweezers, tongs, broom, dustpan, etc
- Materials - water, beans, rice, Jello, etc.
Sorting
- Shape
- Color
- Size
- Season (clothes)
- Letter (first letter of word)
Bathtub Fun - Put glow-sticks or colored ice cubes in the bathtub.
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| Buttoning |
Chip Slot - Cut a slot on the top of a Pringles can. Have child put poker chips into it.
Cup Tower - Stack cups to make a tower
Family Magnets - Make magnets of each family member.
I Spy Jar - Place small items and a filler (like rice) in a jar. Have child spot objects by shaking the jar and uncovering the objects. You can also make a picture checklist so they know which items they are supposed to find.
Lacing
Nuts and Bolts - Gather various sized nuts, bolts, and washers. Let child put them together.
Opening and Closing - Gather various containers with lids. Let child practice opening and closing them.
Photos - Give the child a camera for a day. At the end of the day look at the pictures and discuss what was seen.
Puddle Tracing - After it has rained outline a puddle on the sidewalk. Every 30 minutes go outside and see how the puddle has changed.
Ribbon Kite
Story Stones - Paint (or decoupage) pictures onto stones. Use the stones to direct a story.
Velcro Board
Weaving
