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Small Educational Games for Kids Age 3 to 4 Years

At an early age, most children learn best by using games. By the time kids are three to four years old, they are generally enrolled in preschool. Preschool is an ideal time to start learning numbers, the alphabet, animal names and food names. Preschool instructors should have a couple of creative games on hand to help their students learn the building blocks for elementary education.

Learning Numbers
- Learning how to count is an essential building block for basic math. Young children may have trouble counting, but you can use a three-step game system to help them learn. In the first game, you can show them the numbers on flashcards and ask them to show the number using their fingers. For each correct answer, give the students a sticker. In the next game, reverse the game. In other words, show the students a certain number of fingers and ask them to hold up the card that corresponds with the correct answer. In the last game, use objects that the students recognize and ask them to hold up the card that corresponds with the correct number. For example, you can show the children three pieces of candy, and they should show you a card with the number "3."
Learning the Alphabet
- Similar to learning numbers, knowing the alphabet is a critical component for basic reading in elementary school. Using flashcards, have the students call out the names of the letters on the cards. Then, as a step further, place words on the flashcards. Have the students spell each word by naming the different letters.
Learning Food Names
- To help the young children learn different food names and the alphabet, show a picture of a food and have the student say what kind of food is portrayed. For example, show a picture of an apple, and the students should tell you that the picture is an apple. An advanced game that would help the students learn their food names would be one where the students are shown the food name and must draw a picture of the food.
Learning Colors
- Learning the colors on the color wheel is another important tool that kids will use in elementary school. To help the children learn their colors, you could play the I-Spy game. In the I-Spy game, the leader tells the students that he sees a certain color in the room. Then, the students reply with the items that are the same color as the object the leader first saw. Allow the students to take turns being leaders.

Kids Games