Hobbies And Interests
Matching
Draw shapes in different colors on small squares of paper, two of each color and shape. Laminate the pieces of paper for durability and place them all face down on a desk. Ask one toddler to flip over two pieces of paper. If the color and shape matches, they can keep the pair. If not, the turn moves to the next toddler. Children can also play this by themselves by simply trying to find all the pairs. Make the game easier by only doing shapes or colors instead of both at once.
Searching
Play a game of "I Spy" with toddlers to teach them about shapes and colors. Start the game by saying ̶0;I spy something purple.̶1; The toddlers take turns looking around the room and guessing any purple items. The first toddler to guess the item correct gets to go next. Add shapes into the activity by having the toddler spy a shape and color. For example, they must say ̶0;I spy a yellow circle.̶1; Make sure each child has a chance to spy a shape and/or color.
Guessing
Cut different-colored shapes out of construction paper and place them in the middle of the floor. Have the toddlers stand around the shapes. Start with a red circle, blue square and yellow triangle. After the toddlers look at the shapes, ask them to close their eyes while you remove a shape. Ask the children to open their eyes and try to guess which shape is missing. Allow each child to have a chance at guessing so there are no hurt feelings. Another idea is to use only shapes or only colors. Incorporate the shapes and colors together once the toddlers master the shapes and color individually.
Tossing
Place colored buckets on the ground and give toddlers colored beanbags to toss into the corresponding buckets. Another idea is to paint Hula-Hoops into different colors and hang them from the ceiling. Have the toddlers toss the colored beanbags through the corresponding hoops. For shapes, draw shapes on the front of the buckets and on each beanbag. Toddlers must toss the beanbags into the correct buckets.