Activity Idea: Shapes and Color Collage

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that we 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" by presenting mathematics in a fun and creative way. It is important to provide children with an opportunity to develop abstract reasoning skills, learn complex math concepts and create solutions to real-life problems.

Here's an activity called Shapes and Color Collage that will help children develop their shape and color recognition skills. For this activity, you will need Colorations® 12x18" Heavyweight Construction Paper (12CP), Colorations® Super Classroom Paint Brush Set (BRUSHES), Colorations® Washable Clear Glue (NGL), and Teacher's Comfort Grip Scissors (TGRIP).

Materials Needed:
Colorations® 12x18" Heavyweight Construction Paper (12CP)
Colorations® Super Classroom Paint Brush Set (BRUSHES)
Colorations® Washable Clear Glue (NGL)
Teacher's Comfort Grip Scissors (TGRIP)

Let's Get Started:
1. Cut out different shapes from construction paper using the week's color theme (or with a shape theme, cut out multiple pieces of the same shape). Add paint or food coloring to represent the week's color.

2. Allow the child to brush glue onto white construction paper (or color of choice).

3. Next, ask the child to find the shape (square, circle, triangle etc..) and then have him/her press the shape onto the paper. You may need to show the child the first few times, but you will be surprised at how quickly they pick this up.

Furthermore:
This activity can be combined with a weekly lesson plan consisting of either shapes or colors. Consider following this activity with a reading from any color/shapes prechool book.

If using POCET™,  this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: MA3 Classify and Sort by Attributes.

Activity Idea: Restaurant

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that language development is critical for toddlers as they learn to listen, communicate and follow directions. Caregivers can encourage this development by "providing activities that stimulate language expression and initiate communication."

Here's an activity called Restaurant that helps children to initiate conversation with others and make requests without being prompted. For this activity, you'll need a Dinner Set (DIN), an Around the World Food Set (AWFS), a Multicultural Food Set (MULTISET),a set of Life-Sized Fruit and Veggies (FOODSET), and a table and chairs.

Materials Needed:
Dinner Set (DIN)
Around the World Food Set (AWFS)
Multicultural Food Set (MULTISET)
Life-Sized Fruit and Veggies (FOODSET)
A Table and Chairs

Let's Get Started:
1. The teacher can set up a restaurant in the dramatic play centers.

2. Encourage the children to have one child take the “food orders” from the other children.

3. A child placing the orders will initiate the conversation and tell the child behind the counter what he wants to eat. Most children have had experiences with this with their family.

Furthermore....
Children can learn about nutrition using the pretend play food provided. A possible addition would be Discount School Supply's® Food Pyramid Felt Set (NBFBFOOD).

If using POCET™, this Activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: EL18: Initiates Conversations and Makes Requests.