Observation Bottles

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  1 Observation bottle per child
Activity time:                           3-5 minutes

How to play:

Prior to having children participate in this clever observation activity, prepare enough observation bottles for each participant by putting 20 small items in a 2-liter plastic cola bottle and filling it with birdseed (each bottle should have different items if possible).  Next, super-glue the top onto the bottle (or you are in for one BIG mess) and you are ready.  Give a bottle to each child and explain that in the bottle are a variety of different small items and that by shaking the bottle like magic items will start to appear.  Give your little ones some time to experience this and then ask what they found.  Play again by having participants trade bottles.

Valentines variation:  
Collect and prepare (as above) enough 8 ounce bottles placing 5-7 Valentines related items in each bottle for all participant.  On Valentine’s Day allow your little ones to discover the valentine’s surprises in their bottles.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  Cotton balls, Masking tape
Activity time:                           3-5 minutes

How to play:
Begin by providing each child with a number of cotton balls.  On the “Let It Snow” command, have all children at the same time throw their cotton balls up in the air or across the room.  Repeat several times and then provide each little one with a wadded-up masking tape ball.  Have your younger children “shovel” the snow, by picking up one cotton ball at a time with their masking tape ball and bringing it back to you.  Once you take their cotton ball from them, they return to the play area and get another one.  Continue until your play area is “shoveled” clean.   For your older children, put a dab of Vaseline on their nose and play as above, but this time children are on their hands and knees and when they reach a cotton ball must slowly and carefully pick up the cotton ball using only their noses and return it to you.  Freezing weather is not required for this game, but your kids sure will think it’s cool! 

Rounding Up Santa’s Reindeer

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  15-30 plastic or cut-out reindeers

Activity time:                           5-7 minutes

How to play:

Children love finding hidden objects.  To begin, hide lots of small reindeers around the play area and you’re ready for this Easter egg hunt variation.  Set up the activity by telling the children that last night the pen that held all of Santa’s reindeer accidentally was left open and all the reindeer left and are now lost.  Clarify the boundaries of where the reindeer might be and then let the children search for all the lost reindeer.  Will your children help Santa find at least 9 reindeer to guide his sled???

Here, There & Everywhere

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  Tape, “There” signs

Activity time:                            1-3 minutes

How to play:

This is a great movement, warm-up activity.  Prior to beginning place the 2 “There” signs on different walls within the room.  Explain that you will be giving one of three commands and that the children must listen carefully to the command and then perform that commands action.  The commands and actions are as follows:
 

   “Here” meaning to come to you. 

   “There” meaning to go to one of the posted signs.

   “Everywhere” means the kids can go any place they like. 

Don’t stand in one place, but move around while calling out the commands.  For example you might call out:  “Run here!” Skip there!” Tip-toe everywhere!” etc…

Color Dig

Number of players:                  Any number

Play site:                                 Sandbox or Sand table

Equipment needed:                   Prepared egg carton, matching colored rocks
Activity time:                           7-10 minutes

How to play:

This is a great way to practice color matching skills with your little ones. Collect two empty egg cartons and 24 small rocks that fit in the eggcups. Choose 12 different fall colors you'd like students to learn. Paint two rocks and two sections of the egg cartons with each of the colors. When the rocks have dried, hide them in your sandbox or sand table. Have students go on a fall color dig to hunt for rocks and then match them to the correct sections of the egg cartons.

“Ago / Amee”

Number of players:                 Any number

Equipment needed:                  None
Activity time:                          1-2 minutes

How to play:

 “Ago/Amee” is an African attention getter that children just love!  The leader using any cadence, vocal inflection, or singing pattern calls out “Ago” (meaning please listen), and the children respond  back with “Amee” (meaning I am or I promise) in the exact same cadence, vocal inflection, and/or singing pattern used by the leader.  If you want you can add an action(s) to your vocal variations that the children must also copy.  As this is an attention getter, teach the children that after responding, they should be very quite and listen to the leader – they just promised!

“Hot” / “Cold”

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  1 small item
Activity time:                           3-5 minutes

How to play:

With hot summer temperatures continuing, let’s put a little twist on the classic “Hot & Cold” game by engaging all your “little ones” in this game at the same time.  Start by showing a small object to all your children and then explain that you will be hiding this object for one of them to find.  Select a volunteer and ask that child to leave the room as you and your “little ones” determine a place to hide the object.  Hide the object and ask the volunteer to return to your play area.  Inform the volunteering child that everyone will be helping them find the hidden object by moving with them and giving them clues as to if they are “hot” on the trail to finding the hidden object, or “cold” – moving away from the hidden object.   The clues all the children will use are - if the volunteering child goes in the wrong direction, all children cross their arms across their chests and say: “brrrrrrrrrr it’s getting cold!”  When the volunteering child moves in the right direction, have all children fan their faces and say: “you’re getting hot!”  As the volunteering child moves further or closer to the hidden object, the children get louder and more animated.  Continue this until the child finds the hidden object and then repeat with a new volunteering child.  Once the children understand the game, have them hide the object and let them direct you to finding it.  This game is as “hot” as it is outside this summer!  Have Phun!!!
 

Fishing Fun

Number of players:                 Any number                                     

Equipment needed:                  Pre made fishing rod(s), Prizes, “Throw backs,” 
                                              Curtain & Rod
Activity time:                          10-15 minutes

How to play:
Nothing better on a hot summer day in July than to go fishing.  Take all your “little ones” fishing where all are guaranteed to catch a fish (prize).  Start by hanging a blue blanket across a doorway using a spring-tension curtain rod.  Using a swim noodle, tie a long piece of rope onto the end of the swim noodle and then attach to that a large bull clip to create the children’s fishing rod.  Prior to taking everyone fishing, have one adult stands on one side of the blue blanket with a variety of small prizes and funny “throw backs.”  Each child takes a turn with the fishing pole and casts the bull clip over the blanket.  Once successful, the adult on the other side pulls on the line (simulating catching a fish) and then attaches either a prize or a “throw back” item (a funny item the child would not want to keep, such as an old sock, a tennis shoe, a copy of Newsweek, etc.).  Your kids will laugh and laugh at the silly things that they catch, but make sure that in the end each child catches a prize.  Your “little anglers” are sure to get hooked on this fun-filled summer activity and ask you often if they can go fishing again with you!

Simon/Simone Does

Number of players:                 Any number

Equipment needed:                  None
Activity time:                          5-7 minutes

How to play:
Here’s a simple twist to the classic Simon Says game we’ve all played, except there is no trick to it.  It can be played in a group with everyone having a turn to be Simon/Simone or it can be done with just two people mirroring each other.  It can even be done with just one “little one” and a mirror because this would be good feedback to see how a movement feels and looks.  Explain that everyone tries to move in the exact same way that Simon/Simone does (as if they were a mirror reflection of him/her).  Demonstrate this a few times by playing the role of Simon/Simone and slowly moving in a variety of ways.  Once all your “little ones” understand let them become Simon/Simone.  Simon says, play this one as your kids will love it! 

Froggies and Lily Pads

Number of players:                 Any number

Equipment needed:                  Several green carpet squares, Music
Activity time:                          3-5 minutes

How to Play:

Prior to hopping into this fun little activity, scatter several green carpet squares (“lily pads”) around your play area.  Explain to your little ones that the carpet squares represent “lily pads” and that in a moment when the music is turned on, everyone will move around the play area in a specific way pretending to be “froggies.”  Next, explain that when the music stops, all “froggies” must quickly find a lily pad to stand on.  Practice this couple of times to make sure all understand and then while the music is playing, remove one of the “lily pads.”  Stop the music and watch as the “froggies” rush to “lily pads.”  If necessary, remind everyone that all “froggies” must be on a “lily pad” when the music stops.  Continue taking “lily pads” away and helping the little ones get on the remaining “lily pads.”  How many “lily pads” do your little ones need?

Speed Rabbit

Number of players:                 Any number

Equipment needed:                  None
Activity time:                          5-7 minutes

How to play:

Have all your “little ones” form a circle with the teacher standing in the middle of the circle.  This fun reaction game begins by teaching 3 different motions that represent "a Bunny Rabbit," "an Elephant" and "a Palm Tree."  Once all the "little ones" understand how to perform each of these motions, explain that you will point to a child and call out either "Rabbit," "Elephant," or "Palm Tree," with the challenge being to see if the child can create that motion before you are able to count to 10.  The pose actions are:

The Rabbit      

The player pointed to crosses hands with thumbs touching and fingers spread and places them on their nose.  Wiggle the fingers, and it looks like the whiskers of a rabbit.

The Elephant   

The player crosses hands and interlocks fingers while bending over at the waist.  Move the clasped hands back and forth to make the elephant's trunk.

Palm Tree   

The player pointed to raises his/her hands over their head and starts moving them back and forth with the arms representing the branches and the movement the branches blowing in the wind.

This is a wonderful activity that can evolve over time as you or your "little ones" add new motions to the game.   

Acting Out

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                   None
Activity time:                           3-5 minutes

How to play:

Divide your group and play area into four equal sections.  Explain that when you point to a group (quadrant) that only those participants in that group will act-out what you will call out.  Point to a group and say for example, "eating something sour!"  That group pantomimes “eating something sour!”  Next, point to another group and say, "pesky mosquito!"  and only that group pantomimes having to deal with a “pesky mosquito!”  Continue the game by randomly rotating which group is to perform next until every group has had a chance to act-out several times.  Examples to use might include: cold, surprised, soooo happy, shy, upset tummy, high-wire walker, sad, eating ice cream, getting a shot, circus juggler, etc...  Wouldn’t it be nice if this was the only kind of “acting out” our little ones did!

Find 4

Number of players:                 Any number

Equipment needed:                  Stickers
Activity time:                          3-5 minutes

How to Play:

Prior to introducing this game to participants, write 4 esteeming messages on 4 separate stickers (example: “I believe in me,” “I am Special,” etc.).  Hide these stickers around your play area before your participants arrive and you are ready for the “Find 4” challenge.  Tell all participants that there are four stickers hidden with a message on each of them in the room.  It is their job to find each of the four and once located, they are to read the message and then come back to you and whisper in your ear what the message says.  Emphasize that they are NOT to bring the sticker back to you, just to remember the message that was on the sticker.  When participants whisper the message to you, respond with a return positive message that relates to the whispered message (example: the participant whispers in your ear “I am special” and you respond with “yes, you are special!” or they whisper “I believe in me” and you say to them “I believe in you too!”)..  A great activity that will leave all your participants with a smile on their face!

Queen Bee 

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  Polydots or Space markers

Activity time:                            3-5 minutes

How to play:
To begin, scatter an equal number of polydots to children around the play area.  Have each child stand on one of these polydots and select a child to be the "Queen Bee" (picking up his/her polydot).  The "Queen Bee" is instructed to move around the group and to randomly touch other players gently on the shoulder.  Those children touched leave their polyspot and continue following the "Queen Bee" until a predetermined sound is heard.  At any point, the leader uses the noise devise which signals for all the children in the "Queen Bee" line (including the "Queen Bee") to quickly return to any open polydot - trying to avoid being the only child without a polydot.  The child not getting a polydot is the next "Queen Bee."  Start by using only one "Queen Bee," but as the children better understand the game, select several "Queen Bee's to start the game.

Christmas Cookie Cutter Match Up

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  5-10 different cookie cutters, Poster board, Marker
Activity time:                           5-7 minutes

How to play:

To begin, prepare a white poster board by tracing around 5-10 different Christmas cookie cutter shapes with a felt tip marker.  This creates the “game board” that will be used in this holiday matching activity.  Give a cookie cutter shape to each little one and place the "game board" in the center of your children.  Demonstrate how to match the cookie cutters to the shapes on the “game board” by using the extra cookie cutters that you have.  Have your little ones match all the cookie cutter shapes as quickly as possible.  Do I smell baking cookies using these cookie cutter shapes for all to have after this education holiday activity?  Have fun and Happy Holidays!

Color Dance

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                   Music
Activity time:                           5-7 minutes

How to play:
Burn off some of those holiday calories by dancing with your “little ones” while teaching and reinforcing color recognition.  Prior to introducing this activity, pre-select a wide variety of upbeat music to use.  When ready, tell your “little ones” that you will be playing a number of different songs and that while the music is playing everyone (including yourself) will be dancing to the music.  Play part of a track and dance with your “little ones” to demonstrate.  When you stop the music, explain that everyone must freeze.  While all are “frozen” call out a color and further explain that once the color has been called out all children become "unfrozen" and are to go, touch that color, and return to their spot.  Repeat using different styles of music, and once your “little ones” get the hang of it, choose different children to call out the colors to be touched.  You will truly be “dancing with the stars” with this fun-filled activity

Fall Color Touch

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                   Bandannas

Activity time:                           5-7 minutes

How to play:

With fall colors everywhere, reinforce these colors in this simple but clever cooperative game.  Have groups of 3 hold on to a bandanna.  Explain that the small groups must stay together by always holding on to the bandanna as they search for the different fall colors that you will call out.   To begin, say something like, “We’re going to be touching all the fall colors today . . . right now, see if you can find and touch something that is RED.”  On this command, all groups (staying connected) go and find something RED, touch it and then come back to their original position.  Once everyone returns to their original spot, call out another fall color.  A nice variation of this activity is to have each of the 3 players still connected find something different that is RED and touch it.  After 3 different RED items have been touched, they group returns to their original place.  Fall is fabulous isn’t it!

Human Wagon Wheel

Number of players:               Any number

Play site:                              Open area w/ walls                                              

Equipment needed:                None
Activity time:                        5-7 minutes

How to play:
Sing and play this cooperative activity all around your room!  Start by creating a human wagon wheel with all your “little ones” by having them all join hands and face inwards.  With the wheel formed, teach them this simple variation of the song “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round & Round” –

 “The wheels on the wagon go round & round; round
   & round; round & round; the wheels on the wagon 
   go round and round . . .  all around the room.” 

Now position your human wagon wheel so that 2 or 3 of your children’s backs start off touching the wall.  The wheel then slowly moves in a circular motion around the rooms walls.  Once the children understand how the human wagon wheel moves and are comfortable with this add in the singing.  The fun increases as the children sing and the wheel picks up speed.  To end this activity, create a human hubcap.  To do this, drop one child’s hand and begin to turn toward the inside of the circle, drawing the line of children into the center with you.  This coiling process continues until everyone, still holding hands, is wrapped into a human hub.  Have a big wagon wheel hug and compliment everyone on cooperating with each other so well!

The Name Train

Number of players:                    Any number

Play site:                                   Any area                                             

Equipment needed:                    Train whistle (optional)
Activity time:                             5-7 minutes

How to play:
Begin by talking about trains and explaining how all the cars are linked together and pulled along by the train’s engine.  You play the role of the engine and create your “little ones name train” by moving to any child in the group and asking them the question: “Who are you?”  Instruct each child to respond to this question with their name and then you turn toward the group and shout out: “This is . . . (stating the child’s name).“  Take the hand of this child and move across the circle to another child and repeat the above process with this new child.  Once this child’s name is shouted out to the group, have this individual hold onto the hand of the first child chosen by you and then turn with all 3 of you are linked as you move to the next child.  Continue in this fashion until the all your “little ones” are linked together which creates your “little ones name train.”  Grab your train whistle at this point and blow it as often as you like as you walk the name train around the room in a snake like manner.  Your “little ones” will just love this!

Gottcha

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  2 Long ropes

Activity time:                           1-3 minutes

How to play:

Stretch 2 ropes out so that they create a + sign on the floor.  Select one child to join you in the center.  All other children spread themselves out in any of the four quadrants.  The leader asks the selected child to close their eyes and as soon as this child’s eyes are closed, all the other children move quietly from one quadrant to another.  As the children are quietly moving, the leader and the selected child count down from 10.  When they get to 1 the leader yells “freeze please, hands on knees” and all the children must freeze in place with both hands on their knees.  The center child then points to one of the quadrants and anyone standing in that quadrant is out and joins the leader and the selected child in the center.  The next round starts with another child closing his/her eyes and the whole group counting out loud from 10 to 1.  Repeat until you have only one child remaining who becomes the new center person.

The “Mr. Man” Game

Number of players:                   Any number

Equipment needed:                    Music
Activity time:                            5-7 minutes

How to play:
Make motor movement more memorable by introducing your “little ones” to the “Mr. Man” game.  This simple warm-up requires just saying the name of a “Mr. Man” and then having your “little ones” move like the “Mr. Man” called out.  To get you started here are a few “Mr. Man” movements:

·         “Mr. Slow” – all move slowly

·         “Mr. Rush” – all move quickly

·         “Mr. Jelly” – shake your whole body

·         “Mr. Tall” – stretch up tall and move

·         “Mr. Small” – crouch down and move around

·         “Mr. Hop” – all hop

·         “Mr. Freeze” – everyone freezes

To ensure equal representation of the genders create a “Miss . . .” series and then encourage your “little ones” to add their own ideas making this their game and a game they will never get bored with!

Color Hokey Pokey

Number of players:                    Any number

Equipment needed:                     Instrumental version of Hokey Pokey, 
                                                 4 different colored stickers per child
Activity time:                             5-7 minutes

How to play:
Kids love to move, kids love to dance, and kids love the “Hokey Pokey;” 
so . . . let’s get them moving, dancing and learning different colors/shapes using this classic song.  Begin by giving each child 1 colored sticker (or shape) and instructing them to stick it on their right hand.  Provide a 2^nd sticker (of a different color/shape) and ask them to put this sticker on their left hand.  Repeat this process providing two additional stickers/shapes that will be put on their right foot and their left foot and you’re ready for the “Colored Hokey Pokey!”  Play the musical version of the “Hokey Pokey” demonstrating and singing out the instructions with the color twist (“Put your red dot in, put your red dot out . . . etc.).  Once your “little ones” understand introduce different colors and/or shapes and have fun “Hokey Pokin” your day away!

Bunny, Bunny, Rabbit!!!

Number of players:                   Any number

Equipment needed:                    None
Activity time:                            5-7 minutes

How to play:
The Easter Bunny is just around the corner so this month let’s put a hop and a twist on the classic “duck, duck, goose” game.  Start by having all your “little ones” seated in a large circle.  Select a “bunny” (child) who hops around the outside of the circle gently tapping each child gently on the head while saying, “bunny, bunny, bunny . . . “ This pattern continues until the selected hopping “bunny” finally says “RABBIT.”  The child whose head was tapped and hears “RABBIT” jumps up and both children hop around the circle trying to reach the vacated spot first.  Last one to the open spot becoming the new “bunny.”  Your “little ones” will have a hopping good time with this variation of a classic!

I See

Number of players:                    Any number

Equipment needed:                    None

Activity time:                             1-3 minutes

How to play:
This is an interesting imitation activity for the entire group.  The game begins with the leader saying: "I See!"  The entire group of children then stop what they are doing and respond with: "What do you see _____ ?" (adding the leader/teacher's name in the blank space).  The leader/teacher then gives the children a command and action.  Immediately upon completing the instructions, the children perform this command and action and continue doing so until the leader/teacher call out once again: "I See!"  As before, all children stop, respond, listen to the new command and action, and then perform the designated action(s). This can be repeated several times in a row or at any time during the day.  This is a great transitional activity sure to be enjoyed by all your little ones!  "I see . . . everyone doing an Irish jig!"  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Texas Ice Skating

Number of players:                    Any number

Equipment needed:                    2 Paper Plates for each participant
Activity time:                             3-5 minutes

How to play:
Explain that everyone is going to go ice skating in just a few minutes.  Provide each little one with 2 paper plates and instruct them to put them on the floor and step on them.  These you explain are your Texas Ice Skates.  Demonstrate how to ice skate by sliding your feet and paper plates together to move (skate) around the room.  You can even show your little ones that you can spin while still keeping your feet on the paper plates.  After performing your skating exhibition, have your little ice skaters practice and then turn some music on and have everyone skate around the room.  After free skating for a few minutes, skate in a follow-the-leader style.  You start, and then allow other children to be the leader.  Your little ones won’t need a heavy jacket to warm-up to this month's PHUN activity!

 Secret Bubble Wrap Pictures         

Number of players:                   Any number

Equipment needed:                   Bubble wrap with medium-large bubbles,
                                                Pictures of animals, family members, fun 
                                                objects, etc., Glue

Activity time:                            5-7 minutes

How to play:

Wondering what to do with all that packing bubble wrap - this month’s activity requires a little preparation, but will really be enjoyed by your little ones.  Prepare by printing or cutting out familiar pictures that are large (8.5” x 11”) of various animals, items in the area, family members, fun objects, etc.,.  Next, cut out bubble wrap to the size of the picture and glue/tape it to the edges of picture.  Once completed, pick a special time and give each child a Secret Bubble Wrap Picture.  Explain that they are trying to figure out what the picture is and as they pop bubbles the picture will become clearer and clearer.  Once they think they know what their Secret Bubble Wrap Picture is, have them come up and share its identity with you.  Ready, set, let the popping begin!

Chistmas Tree Guesses                 

Number of players:                  Any number

Equipment needed:                  Decorated Christmas Tree

Activity time:                            5-7 minutes

How to play:

Begin by saying: “I see something on the Christmas tree which begins with a ‘T’  What is it?”  Allow your little ones to continue guessing the different things on the Christmas tree that begin with ‘T’ until they mention the one you were thinking of.  Try another letter, and then another letter and then another letter each time having the children guess which one you chose that started with that letter.  Once the children understand, allow one of them to chose something on the Christmas tree and see if the group can determine which one was chosen.  To extend this activity further, you might include a short story after each correct guess related to the object chosen.  

I’m thinking of 2 words that both start with ‘H’ . . . that’s right - Happy Holidays!!! 

Speedy Squirrel

Number of players:                    Any number

Equipment needed:                    None
Activity time:                             5-7 minutes

How to play:

Played just like duck, duck, goose with the exception that when the person says "goose,"  that chosen person must run an touch something called out by the leader and try to make it back to his/her seat before the other person makes it all the way around the circle and back into the touched persons seat.  How speedy are your little squirrels?

"Little Special Pumpkin" Pass

Number of players:                   Any number

Equipment needed:                   1 Mini Pumpkin
Activity time:                            3-5 minutes

How to play:
Begin by having all your little witches, goblins, ghosts & monsters sit in a circle.  Introduce a very special pumpkin (mini pumpkin) and talk about how even though this pumpkin is very small - it is very special and unique just like each and every one of the children are.  Give this pumpkin to one of the little ones and explain that when the music starts, they are to pass the “little special pumpkin” from one person to the next around the circle.  Once the music stops, the child who has the “little special pumpkin” stands and takes a bow.  As an add-on, while the pumpkin is being passed around the circle in your best ghost voice say: “whoooooooo’s going to get the pumpkin?  Whooooooooooo’s it going to be?”  Repeat the game several times because you never know “witch” little one will get to take a bow next!

Almost Empty

Number of players:                     Any number

Play site:                                    Any open area

Equipment needed:                     Box, Various Soft Throwable Objects

Activity time:                             1-3 minutes

How to play:
Begin by placing a box in the center of the room.  Inside this box is about 30 soft items that can be thrown.  Have all your little ones spread out around the room.  Explain that the challenge is for you to empty the box of all items and the little ones job to make sure that the box is never empty.  On the "Go" command, begin throwing items out of the box as quickly as you can.  Your little ones then chase down the thrown items and quickly return them to the box.  Play for about .30 seconds and if you can empty the box you get a point, if you can't get all the items out of the box, your little ones get a point.  Play to a predetermined number of points.