January 3, 2013

What is a color game that my toddler and preschooler can play?

With all these color games I’ve been making for Smiley Man, I knew it was only a matter of time before I made some color puzzles. They are finally finished and I think they turned out very well. I really like them because of how age versatile they are. I can use them in lots of different ways for Smiley Man who isn’t even 2. Plus it is going to be part of my tot school with Smiley Man! However, since they have the color words on them, these puzzles are also perfect for Little Bear who is well over 4 ½.

To use these color puzzles, first print them in color (or print out the black and white version and color them) and then cut on all of the black lines. You will end up with 12 puzzles that have 3 parts each. I also laminated the puzzle pieces, but that is purely optional. If you want more durability, you could also print the puzzles on cardstock or cover the pieces with contact paper or packing tape. So far, we use these 3 part color puzzles in lots of different ways. Here are several ways to play for your toddler or preschooler:

Sorting

Put all of the puzzle pieces into a pile and have your child sort the pieces by color. With Smiley Man I only put the pieces for 2-3 color puzzles in the beginning pile. When Little Bear plays this game, I put all of the pieces in the beginning pile.

Matching

Put all of the puzzle pieces in a pile. When I play this with Smiley Man, I only include 2-3 colors in the beginning pile. Pick up one puzzle piece and name the color. Ask your child to find another piece that is the same color. Continue until all the pieces from the pile are gone. When I play this with Little Bear, all of the puzzles pieces for all of the colors are in the beginning pile. I pick up a puzzle piece and Little Bear has to name it. I then ask him to find both of the pieces that match that color. Continue until all the pieces from the pile are gone.

Color Find

Put the puzzle pieces in a pile (for Smiley I only include 2-3 colors, for Little Bear I include all the colors). Ask your child to pick out a red piece (or whatever color). Continue asking for specific pieces until all of the pieces from the beginning pile are gone.

Put the Puzzle Together

Have the puzzle pieces out and have your child put them together. For Smiley Man, I only put out one color at a time. I put all three pieces for one color in a pile and I allow Smiley Man to put them together correctly. When he is done, I give him all the pieces for the next color. When Little Bear plays this, all of the puzzle pieces are in a pile. Little Bear sorts the pieces by color first, then he completes the puzzle.

This is the preschooler version:

Write the Color Words

This game is for preschoolers only. After your child has put together all of the puzzles, have them get a blank piece of paper. Have them pick out a crayon that matches one of the puzzles, then have them practice writing that color word on the blank piece of paper. Continue until your child has written all the color words with the correct color of crayon.

This has been a really great color game so far and I love that Little Bear can do so much with the color puzzles. He knows his colors really well, but he still enjoys practicing them. I just want to mention that I do not in any way expect Smiley Man to recognize the name of the colors. These puzzles are giving him exposure to letters, but I do not expect anything beyond that. Be sure to print off your 3 part color puzzles and don’t forget to check out all of my other color games!

Check out 1+1+1=1 for even more tot school ideas!

We've found some fun people with great linky parties. You might just see this post linked up on one of these amazing sites! Link and Learn from No Time for Flashcards Sunday Showcase from Train Up a Child Share it Saturday from Teach Beside Me Tot School Gathering Place from 1+1+1=1 Montessori Monday from Living Montessori Now Tuesday Tots from In Lieu of Preschool Show and Tell from ABC & 123 For the Kids Fridays from Sun Scholars Finished Friday from All Our Days Weekly Kids Co-op from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails Preschool & Kindergarten Corner from Homeschool Creations TGIF Linky Party from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Tags: color, color games, free printable, learning activity, preschool, puzzles, teaching, toddlers