Fun and Educational Games for Preschoolers

Silence

• Prepare for the game by writing down separate numbers in a sequence on separate pieces of paper, making enough papers for every student participating. For instance, if you have 10 students, write down numbers from 1 to 10. Tape the numbered papers onto the players' chests so that every player has his own number. Tell the students that they have to be completely silent during the game. Instruct them to line themselves up in order from 1 to whatever number ends the sequence. If you want to have the students compete against each other, divide the players into two teams and make two sets of numbered papers. You can play this game using letters of the alphabet as well. (See Reference 1)

Animal Walks

• On one side of the room, line the students up side-by-side. Stand at the opposite side of the room so the students can see you. Call out the name of an animal the kids know about, and tell them to walk to you in the same way that animal moves. For instance, if you call out "snake," the children lie down and slither over to you. Or, if you call out "dog," the students get on all fours and head to the opposite side of the room. If you find that a student does not know what animal move to use, help her out by mimicking the right movement. The game ends when you run out of animals to use. (See Reference 2)

All the Colors in the World

• Gather the preschoolers and have them sit in a circle. Join the students in the circle and pick a color. The student sitting to your left has to come up with an object in the world made of that color. For instance, if you pick the color "blue," the student can say "ocean" or "sky," among many other possibilities. After he states an object, the student to his left comes up with something. Go around the circle until all of the students have a turn. Then, pick another color and have the child to your left start this round. Continue until you run out of colors the students recognize. (See Reference 3)