I knew scavenger hunt for preschoolers is (almost) always a favorite amongst kids. As busy moms, we always try to look for something less troublesome and quick to prepare. And yesterday was a nice weather to play at the park. So we decided to go to the nearby playground.
Then I thought while in it, I could let them count some leaves and flowers, and find things by colors. So we can have some fun nature activities for kids and also have some learning on the go!
Activity: Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
Recommended age group: 3-6 years old. But honestly many older kids would still enjoy this!
Materials needed:
- I used ziplock sandwich bag for each kid. You can use basket, or any bags.
- Paper and marker to write your hunting list.
- Clipboard (optional) to make it easier to hold and read the list.
- THE PARK! 😉
Preparation time required: 5 minutes
Learning objectives: Counting to 10, recognizing name of things in nature, color/shape grouping.
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How to play
Yea I let them play on the playground first. Go have fun with the slides and ball!!
While they’re busy climbing here and there, I prepared the hunting list. I explored the surrounding, and took notice on what things laying around. Basically things the children could easily find and pick up.
Then I started writing the list, making it slightly harder and more specific for the older child. I include the number of items to pick up, the name of each object, the color or the shape.
For example, I wrote; 2 brown leaves, 3 pink flowers, and so on.
Adding further learning option
- add more objects and more variety of colors; leaves, flowers, stick or branches, pebbles, piece of bark, sand, etc.
- adding opposite words to the categories of items, like long and short sticks, small and big leaves.
- have them sort the objects into different colors in different ziplock bag
- once back home, ask them to make an art using all those objects. arranged and glued to a piece of paper.
When you have more than one kids to play
I played this with two of my girls, each has different list. Miss U has not read yet, but I asked Miss A to help reading them to her little sister. Alternatively if you have toddlers with you, draw the item instead of writing them. Like, you might draw a flower, a leaf, a pebble, and so on. And you can give each child a piece of paper with all the drawings. Let them wander around with the list to find the objects. Then you can join them to count together after they gather everything.
Last but not least, enjoy the weather, have fun in the park!
Want more ideas for counting activities with your kids? Check out my other counting posts here.
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