Kindergarten Games and Activities

Kindergarten games and activities are the most effective ways to bring about an all-round development of children. Kids have a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm to learn new things. A very productive way to tap this excitement is to make learning, a fun experience. These are the broad categories and examples of each...

Language development
Language is the foundation on which kids build every aspect of their intellect. Children love activities like mimicking voices, singing and dancing. Studies show that a child imitates the language of the elders. They learn language through interaction with people and the environment. So we have to be very careful with our words and gestures. Here are some examples of word games that will teach as well as entertain children.

Secret out
Arrange for a regular talk game where they are made to whisper a word in each others' ears, sitting in a circle. The last kid has to say the word correctly and loudly. It is a fun way to improve their communication skills and kids enjoy it thoroughly.

Know the famous people and be famous
Make regular visits to a zoo, railway station, museum, hospital, shopping center and other public places and encourage interaction with people of different professions. Ask them to give a brief account of the same in their own way.

Word games and activities
Tongue twisters, riddles and tricky word games should be a regular feature of dining table talk with kids. Children enjoy nursery rhymes and songs. Make them recite and praise them for doing it.

Mathematical skill development
Early exposure to learning is very essential for a child's growth. Good music aids the brain development in children. This has a positive impact on academics, especially mathematics. Encourage them to understand math vocabulary in everyday events. Children are always keen to learn new skills each day. Introduce them to the common adjectives in math like big-small, more-less, near-far through the following games.

One minute games
Make them compete in household games like adding up grocery items and calculating the price of articles on a calculator.

Arrange for clock games to identify and learn proper use of time. Time and space bound games, coloring, dressing up, shoe-lace tying help them appreciate and understand small but important tasks.

Use of everyday articles and objects for counting will make them apply maths in real life while enjoying it. Activities like identifying patterns, comparison of people, animals, objects in size, height, weight are an easy way to learn basic math.

Board games having colorful articles make addition and subtraction effortless.

Sports
We are familiar with the simple and important adage, "A healthy mind in a healthy body". Sports boost confidence and instill a sense of goodwill and determination in kids. Children learn most of their social skills and importance of teamwork through sports. An hour of play teaches more values than a whole day of work.

Help in the outdoor activities
It is a fun way to make kids learn the importance of maintaining the vehicles. This activity also creates awareness about structure and parts of gadgets in daily use. This can be extended to other devices like lawn mowers and small tools, but under supervision.

Picnic games
Hoop games, hunting the clues increase the analytical ability of a child. Occasional trips to near-by places increase a sense of bonding in kids.

Hobby development
Coin collection, philately or stamp collection, helping with the cooking and gardening are some of the hobby arts that can be inculcated in the kindergarten years. Hobbies keep them busy and away from unnecessary and harmful activities. Kids are fond of collecting things they like. Help them develop a passion for positive accomplishments. Let them be involved in constructive activities which give them a sense of pride and achievement. These activities have a great emotional and educational value.

The word 'Kindergarten' originates from the German language and literally means 'a garden of children'. This garden has to nurture and bring out the best in the children.