Activity Idea: Yellow Star, Yellow Star What Do You See?

Preschool QuickSource® reminds us that "You can support the development of children's mathematical skills by creating hands-on experiences and by presenting problems to children that are meaningful and relevant to their developmental level."

Here's an activity that presents math in a fun way, called Yellow Star, Yellow Star What Do You See? that helps preschoolers learn to distinguish shape and color. For this activity you will need: stampers, markers or crayons; tape; and manila folders. This activity can be adapted to any shape, including seasonal shapes.

Let's Get Started!

1) Cut out the shape of a star on the front of a manila file folder (recycle an old one by turning it inside out).

2) Decorate the folder by stamping or coloring stars around the area you cut out.

3) Tape the sides of the folder together leaving the top with the tab open.

4) Place many different colors of paper in the pocket you have created.

During circle time or small groups sing or chant "Yellow star, Yellow Star what do you see? I see a... (lift the first sheet of colored paper out of the pocket to reveal the next color) red star looking at me. Red Star, Red Star what do you see? I See a Blue star looking at me" etc.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds to developmental guideline MA3: Classify and Sort by Attributes. For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® and browse through all age areas, including Preschool, Kindergarten, Infant & Toddler, and Head Start. Don't forget to explore activities promoting environmental awareness at Environmental QuickSource®.