Preschoolers love making new friends and playing with them whenever possible. And since they are, by now, steady on their feet, they can jump, skip, hop and tumble about on the playground and in the classroom. This means that they are ready to learn and play simple preschool games when they go to parties or playdates with their friends. Here are a few interesting games that can be used to keep a bunch of energetic toddlers busy and happy. Some of these are traditional and you might remember them from your own childhood; others are new twists on old games; but all of them are guaranteed to entertain and also teach a few useful skills.
4 Preschool Games for Kids
1. Obstacle Course
Number of Players – Any
Skills – Problem solving, gross motor skills
How to Play:
· Remove all clutter and unsafe objects from your living room or yard.
· Place chairs, laundry baskets, cushions, cardboard boxes and other objects in strategic locations around the room. Make sure these items are obstacles that can be jumped over or crawled under.
· Your free-for-all obstacle course is ready!
· Now put on some thumping music and encourage the kids to get started with the race.
2. Dance up a Storm
Number of Players – Any
Skills –Gross motor skills
How to Play:
This one’s easy! Just put on some of your child’s favorite songs and have him invite his playdate on the floor; the kids will do the rest and maybe even get you movin’ and groovin'! Toddlers aren’t afraid to look silly, so you might want to record it for a cute keepsake. Alternatively, get the kiddos to play musical bumps, a fun preschool game where players dance to the music and quickly sit down as soon as it stops. The last child to sit is out of the game, while the last one left dancing wins.
3. Story time
Number of Players – Any
Skills – Listening, reading, vocabulary
How to Play:
This relaxed preschool game will come in handy when the energy levels are going down and the little ones are starting to get cranky and weary of all the running around.
· Arrange a couple of chairs back-to-back but keep them two feet apart.
· Fling a blanket over them and tuck a few pillows underneath.
· Invite the kids to make themselves at home in their very own ‘fort.’
· Read them a story from their favorite book. Some good picks are Dragons love Tacos by Adam Rubin; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You Seeby Bill Martin Jr.; and The Tiger who Came to Teaby Judith Kerr.
Make sure you choose different kinds of preschool games for your child’s playdate. Too much activity will be tiring, while too many sedentary activities can be boring forthe energetic little tykes. But no matter what, make sure you have lots of quick munchies at the ready – snack time is always a welcome break!
4 Preschool Games for Kids
1. Obstacle Course
Number of Players – Any
Skills – Problem solving, gross motor skills
How to Play:
· Remove all clutter and unsafe objects from your living room or yard.
· Place chairs, laundry baskets, cushions, cardboard boxes and other objects in strategic locations around the room. Make sure these items are obstacles that can be jumped over or crawled under.
· Your free-for-all obstacle course is ready!
· Now put on some thumping music and encourage the kids to get started with the race.
2. Dance up a Storm
Number of Players – Any
Skills –Gross motor skills
How to Play:
This one’s easy! Just put on some of your child’s favorite songs and have him invite his playdate on the floor; the kids will do the rest and maybe even get you movin’ and groovin'! Toddlers aren’t afraid to look silly, so you might want to record it for a cute keepsake. Alternatively, get the kiddos to play musical bumps, a fun preschool game where players dance to the music and quickly sit down as soon as it stops. The last child to sit is out of the game, while the last one left dancing wins.
3. Story time
Number of Players – Any
Skills – Listening, reading, vocabulary
How to Play:
This relaxed preschool game will come in handy when the energy levels are going down and the little ones are starting to get cranky and weary of all the running around.
· Arrange a couple of chairs back-to-back but keep them two feet apart.
· Fling a blanket over them and tuck a few pillows underneath.
· Invite the kids to make themselves at home in their very own ‘fort.’
· Read them a story from their favorite book. Some good picks are Dragons love Tacos by Adam Rubin; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You Seeby Bill Martin Jr.; and The Tiger who Came to Teaby Judith Kerr.
Make sure you choose different kinds of preschool games for your child’s playdate. Too much activity will be tiring, while too many sedentary activities can be boring forthe energetic little tykes. But no matter what, make sure you have lots of quick munchies at the ready – snack time is always a welcome break!
RSS Feed