Preschool Fun Time!

Your preschooler needs to PLAY with YOU!

Recently, I highlighted play as a significant part of a child's learning and literacy.  Consider this a follow up with playtime suggestions for children ages three and four.

Preschoolers, like toddlers, will still enjoy emulating the adults around them.  They'll want to "cook," have a tea party, drive a car, grocery shop, write and draw, and even use a smart phone or computer. Be sure to have pots and pans at the ready along with other objects that will promote dramatic play.

They'll also enjoy constructing hide-outs or forts.  Encourage them to drape blankets over chair backs and coffee tables, then get in the fort with them.  (It might be cramped, so don't feel like you have to stay long.)

At this point in your child's development he/she will enjoy board games.  Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are some classics.  Memory is another great choice to play with preschoolers for several reasons.

Memory

This is a classic and simple game. The object of the game is to lift cards (or objects) in hopes that a pair is found.  The trick to the game is remembering where each item is located after they've been revealed, which happens to be this activity's greatest benefit.

For very young players, you can limit the number of pairs you are playing with.  Start with only 10 cards (5 pairs) in order to have some success early on, and to let your child comprehend the concept of the game.  As he/she becomes more confidant, add more cards.  You'll find you might be stumped too!

Memory games can be purchased.  Hasbro makes a classic one with bright colors and fun objects on each card.  Not only do they carry the "classic" version, they also sell versions with character favorites like My Little Pony or Lightning McQueen.  At some point, my mother purchased a version, not produced by Hasbro, that is tied to the Pigeon book series by Mo Willems.  A great literary tie-in!

You can also make your own memory games with a variety of supplies: index cards, magazine clippings, and other objects.  Making your own sets allows you to tailor the game to your child's needs.  Here are just a few examples:

1. Sight Word Memory  - As your child learns new sight words add them to your game.
2. Letter Matching -  Make matching capital and lower case letters your goal.
3. Number Recognition - A "matching set" of cards does not have to be identical.  One card in a set could have a numeral while the other card shows a representation of that numeral. For example:

                                                  

Get creative with the game of Memory.  It's a game that requires only a few basic skills, a small amount of time, and meager materials, but has tremendous benefits.  Few games are as adaptable as this one.

Just in case you need some ideas for creating your own versions I've pulled together some internet resources.

Martha Stewart 

Country Living 

and

Here is a neat tactile version using recycled bottle caps.  The blog is in French, but I think the pictures explain the process.  Bottle Caps 

Remember, the game of Memory holds many benefits for young players and their care givers. It's enjoyable, thought provoking, and helps introduce or reinforce different skills.  Whether you make a game or purchase one, the advantages to playing it are endless.  Enjoy!