(Materials for modifiers) -different colored Post-Its
Modifiers
For an easier challenge: -Use different colored Post-Its instead of index cards, and have the children look around the room to find an object that matches the color of the Post-it. -Exchange colors for particular toys, like cars or blocks
For most children: -Ask children, "Where else do you see red in our room?"
For a trickier challenge: -Include more difficult colors like teal, indigo, or grey. -Exchange colors for letters or numbers
Follow-up Ideas
-Hide the same toy in the classroom every day and see if the children can find him. In my Pre-K class, we had an elf doll that we would hide everyday, and the children loved hunting the entire classroom for him.
-Place pictures of where toys are supposed to go on the cabinets and counters. This helps children find where things go during clean-up time, which means they will be (a little) less likely to ask you where things go.
Originating Idea
Some of my young preschoolers were struggling with their colors- they had an especially difficult time distinguishing black from brown- and I wanted to implement an activity to help them learn their colors without feeling like they're being drilled or tested.
How to Make It
On each index card, write a color using the corresponding Sharpie (for example, write "Red" on an index card using a red Sharpie). Do this until you have enough sets for four or five students.
How to Implement It
During small group time, tell the children, "We're going to go on a color hunt today! Everyone grab your cards and tell me what you see!" Then, you hand each child in your group a stack of cards. Then have the group sit in a circle, make a beat, and sing, "We're going on a color hunt!" to the tune of "We're going on a bear hunt!" The lyrics would go like this: "We're going on a color hunt! We're looking for different colors! I see the color red! Do you see the color red? Go find that color!"
Then, the children will get up, get their red index card, and place it on something red in the room. Most children will be able to find something red on their own. Earlier children may copy the children that found something red, or place their red cards on something that is not red. Later children will place their cards on something red, and may help other children find red objects.
Once all the children have distributed their cards, ring your bell, and have the children run back to you and sit in a circle. Continue the song until all the cards have been distributed. Once the game is over, everyone collects the cards they have found, return them to the teacher, and then move on to the next small group activity.