But here’s the thing: you don’t need to plan every minute of your preschooler’s day.

A good preschool learning schedule is less about following a strict timeline and more about creating a predictable rhythm. Children know what to expect, while you still have the flexibility to slow down, move on, or change your plans when the day doesn’t go exactly as expected.

The goal is to create a day that includes learning, play, movement, independence, and quiet time without making children feel like they’re moving from one activity to the next all day long.

Why Is a Daily Learning Schedule for Preschoolers Important?

Preschoolers thrive on routines. When children know what is coming next, transitions can become easier and they can begin to take more ownership of their day.

A consistent routine also gives children repeated opportunities to practice important skills. They learn how to clean up, wait for a turn, listen to directions, make choices, participate in a group, and move from one activity to another.

A learning schedule for preschoolers can help children:

• Practice independence
• Build early academic skills
• Develop listening and attention skills
• Become comfortable with daily expectations
• Practice transitioning between activities
• Make choices and take responsibility
• Feel more confident throughout the day

A schedule is helpful for adults, too. Instead of constantly wondering what to do next, you have a plan to guide your day. Think of your schedule as a framework, not a checklist.

You should be able to look at your schedule and know what comes next without feeling like you’ve failed if something takes longer than expected.

What Makes a Good Preschool Learning Schedule?

Every preschool schedule will look different. A classroom, daycare, homeschool setting, and preschool-at-home routine may all have different needs.

However, a well-balanced preschool schedule usually includes a combination of:

• Structured learning activities
• Child-led play
• Small- and whole-group activities
• Movement and outdoor play
• Art and hands-on exploration
• Snack and meal times
• Quiet or rest time
• Opportunities for independence
• Transitions and cleanup

Preschoolers don’t need to sit and complete structured activities all day to be learning. Some of the most valuable learning can happen when children are playing, exploring, talking, building, creating, and making choices.

Use Flexible Time Blocks

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when creating a preschool schedule is trying to plan every activity down to the minute.

Preschoolers need structure, but they also need flexibility. Sometimes an activity you expected to take a few minutes becomes a wonderful opportunity for conversation and exploration. Other times, an activity simply isn’t working and needs to be shortened.

Instead of creating a rigid timeline, think about your day in flexible blocks.

For example:

Morning: Greeting, morning meeting, songs, read-aloud, and a learning activity

Midday: Snack, centers, hands-on exploration, and outdoor or large-motor play

Afternoon: Art, sensory play, quiet time, read-aloud, and free play

This gives children the predictability they need while giving you room to follow their interests and needs.

Include Intentional Learning Activities

A balanced learning schedule for preschoolers should include intentional learning experiences. These are activities where you have a specific skill or concept in mind.

Learning activities might include:

• Letter and sound activities
• Name-writing practice
• Counting games and math manipulatives
• Sorting and patterning
• Science exploration
• Art projects
• Fine motor activities
• Read-alouds
• Songs and fingerplays

A simple counting game with buttons, a name-writing activity at the table, or a science experiment with water can provide meaningful learning without requiring a lot of preparation.

And remember, short, engaging learning experiences are often more effective than trying to stretch an activity longer than children are ready for.

Make Room for Play

Play needs to be part of your preschool schedule, not something children get to do only after the “real learning” is finished.

Dramatic play gives children opportunities to practice language, communication, problem-solving, and social skills. Building with blocks encourages planning, creativity, and spatial awareness. Sensory play can support fine motor development, language, and exploration.

When creating your schedule, think about where children will have opportunities to:

• Pretend
• Build
• Create
• Explore
• Solve problems
• Talk with others
• Make choices
• Use their imagination

You don’t need to turn every play experience into a teacher-directed lesson. Sometimes the best thing you can do is provide the materials and give children time to explore them.

Try some of my favorite play-based activities for more ideas.

Tips for Creating a Learning Schedule for Preschoolers

Creating a schedule does not have to be complicated. These tips can help you create a routine that works for your classroom or home.

And remember, you know your preschoolers best. What works for one classroom or home might not work for another, and that’s okay!

Start With Your Existing Routine

Begin with the parts of your day that already happen consistently.

Think about:

• Meal and snack times
• Arrival or morning routines
• Rest or quiet time
• Outdoor play
• Cleanup routines

Once you have these anchor points, you can add learning activities around them.

Create Predictable Routines

Children don’t necessarily need to know exactly what will happen at a specific time. They benefit from knowing what comes next.

For example, your morning might consistently move from:

Arrival → Morning Meeting → Learning Activity → Centers → Snack

The activities can change, but the overall rhythm stays familiar.

That predictability can make transitions easier and help children become more independent.

Build in Movement

Preschoolers aren’t meant to sit for long periods of time. If you have a structured learning activity, think about what can come before or after it that allows children to move.

Movement might include:

• Outdoor play
• Dance
• Music and movement
• Brain breaks
• Gross motor games
• Walking around the classroom
• Movement songs

Sometimes the best way to help a child refocus is to stop asking them to focus and let them move!

Adjust Based on Your Preschoolers’ Needs

No two groups of preschoolers are exactly the same. A schedule that works one year may need adjustments the next.

Consider:

• The ages of the children
• Attention spans
• Interests
• Energy levels
• Learning styles

Some children may enjoy longer activities, while others may need more movement breaks or shorter learning experiences.

Don’t Overplan

If you find yourself constantly rushing children from one activity to another, your schedule may simply have too much in it.

Preschoolers need time to finish what they’re doing, clean up, ask questions, talk with friends, and transition without feeling rushed.

A schedule should make your day easier, not make you feel like you’re racing the clock.

Sample Daily Learning Schedule for Preschoolers

If you’re wondering what a learning schedule for preschoolers actually looks like, the following sample can give you a starting point.

You can adjust this framework for a preschool classroom, daycare setting, homeschool, or learning at home.

Morning Routine

Your morning might include:

• Greeting and morning check-in
• Name-writing or a simple table activity
• Morning meeting
• Songs and movement
• Calendar or another daily routine
• Read-aloud
• Whole-group learning activity

I love using a sign-in sheet as part of the morning routine because it gives children a natural opportunity to practice name writing. I use this website to customize name-writing worksheets.

I’ve also adopted a linear calendar and found that my students loved being able to visually see where they were in the month.

Songs are another simple way to bring children together at the beginning of the day. Here are some of my favorite songs to begin a preschool day.

Midday Routine

Your midday routine might include:

• Snack
• Centers and independent play
• Teacher- or parent-guided learning
• Hands-on exploration
• Outdoor or large-motor play
• Cleanup

When setting up centers, I typically like to have at least one teacher- or parent-guided center while the other centers are more child-directed.

This gives you an opportunity to intentionally teach a skill while children at the other centers are exploring, creating, and practicing independence.

You can rotate through three or four centers depending on the size and needs of your group.

Here are some of my favorite learning centers that combine learning and play.

Afternoon Routine

The afternoon can be a great time for more hands-on and creative experiences.

You might include:

• Art or a structured craft
• Sensory play
• Small-group activities
• Quiet time or rest
• Afternoon read-aloud
• Outdoor play
• Free play

You don’t need to include every option every day. Think about what your children need and choose activities that create a balanced day.

Balancing Learning and Play in Your Preschool Schedule

One of the most important things to remember when creating a preschool schedule is that play is a powerful way children learn. Children are developing skills throughout their entire day.

A pretend grocery store activity can help children practice counting, sorting, communication, and problem-solving.

Building with blocks encourages creativity, planning, and spatial awareness. A sensory bin can support fine motor skills, language development, and exploration.

Instead of separating learning and play, look for ways to include learning opportunities within play experiences. Invitation to create tables are a great way to naturally connect play and learning.

If you’re wanting to learn more about how to incorporate play into your classroom, take a look at my play-based learning course.

Adapting a Learning Schedule for Different Preschoolers

Every family, classroom, and group of children will have different needs. A flexible learning routine allows you to make adjustments while still maintaining structure.

For working parents, a preschool schedule at home does not need to include hours of planned activities. Reading together, cooking, exploring outside, and completing everyday tasks all provide valuable learning opportunities.

For younger preschoolers, shorter activities and more movement breaks may work best. Older preschoolers may enjoy longer projects, group activities, and more opportunities for independence.

The best schedule is one that supports the children in front of you.

Schedules are there to support you, and the best thing about a schedule is that it can be changed. It’s not set in stone!

A simple routine that includes learning activities, play, movement, and quiet time can help create a balanced and enjoyable day.

Whether you are planning a preschool classroom schedule or creating a routine at home, focus on providing opportunities for children to explore, learn, and grow through a variety of experiences.

Your Preschool Learning Schedule Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

When creating a daily learning schedule for preschoolers, remember that the goal isn’t to fill every minute. The goal is to create a rhythm that gives children opportunities to learn, play, move, explore, and become more independent.

Start with a few predictable anchor points. Add intentional learning activities. Make plenty of room for play. Include movement and quiet time. Then adjust as you learn what works best for your children.

And if your schedule needs to change? Change it!

A preschool schedule is there to support your day, not control it. A simple routine that balances learning, play, movement, independence, and rest can give preschoolers the structure they need while still leaving plenty of room for curiosity, creativity, and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Learning Schedule for Preschoolers

The post Creating a Daily Learning Schedule for Preschoolers appeared first on Teaching Mama.

These sweet paper angels are an easy Christmas craft for preschoolers ages 4 and 5. There are a couple of steps where little ones may need some help, but overall, it’s a simple project that gives them plenty of opportunities to practice fine motor skills and creativity.

Once finished, these angels look adorable hanging on the Christmas tree, displayed as holiday decor, or even added to a wrapped present as a thoughtful homemade gift topper.

There are several angel templates to choose from, including ready-to-print designs, versions kids can color with paint or crayons, and blank templates they can decorate completely on their own. The angels are also available in two sizes, small and large.

If you are already planning your preschool Christmas activities, you may also want to save these Christmas activities for toddlers and preschoolers for later in the year.

Why You’ll Love This Angel Preschool Craft

I love crafts that are cute enough to keep but also give preschoolers a chance to practice important skills.

With this angel craft, children will practice:

• Cutting
• Gluing
• Folding
• Threading beads
• Fine motor control
• Hand-eye coordination
• Creativity

The finished angel can also become a special keepsake that families can bring out again each Christmas.

Supplies for Your Angel Preschool Craft

You only need a handful of materials to make these paper angels.

Materials and Tools

• Angel templates PDF
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Thin wool, ribbon, or string, about 30 to 40 cm per angel
• 2 beads, one large and one small
• Darning needle

Each angel template includes three circles. The circles with the wavy lines will become the angel’s wings.

Safety note: Beads and needles require adult supervision. Depending on the age and ability of your preschoolers, an adult may need to complete the threading portion of the craft.

How to Make a Paper Angel With Preschoolers

Before you begin, choose which angel template you would like to use and print it out.

You can use one of the ready-to-print designs or let children decorate a blank angel themselves.

Step 1: Cut Out the Angel Template

Start by cutting out the three circles from the template.

Preschoolers who are comfortable using scissors can cut out the circles themselves. If your child or student is still developing their cutting skills, this is a great opportunity to practice together.

Step 2: Fold the Circles

Fold each of the three circles according to the template instructions.

Two of the circles will form the angel’s wings, while the other will help create the angel’s body.

Encourage preschoolers to press along the folds with their fingers. Folding paper is a simple way to strengthen the small muscles in their hands.

Step 3: Assemble the Angel

Arrange the folded circles to form the angel’s body and wings.

Use a glue stick to secure the pieces together.

Give the glue a little time to set before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Add the String and Beads

Cut a piece of thin wool, ribbon, or string about 30 to 40 cm long.

Thread it through the angel using the darning needle, then add the beads to create the angel’s head and finishing details.

An adult should assist with this step as needed.

Step 5: Finish Your Angel

Once everything is secured, your angel is ready!

If you used a blank template, kids can add even more decorations with crayons, markers, paint, glitter, stickers, or other craft supplies.

Ways to Use Your Finished Preschool Angel Craft

One of the best parts about this craft is that there are so many ways to use the finished angels.

Make an Angel Christmas Tree Ornament

Add a loop of ribbon or string and hang your angel right on the Christmas tree.

Homemade ornaments are always some of my favorites because they become little reminders of how small the kids once were.

If you are planning an ornament-making day, you could pair this activity with these popsicle stick tree ornaments for another simple preschool Christmas craft.

Use It as Christmas Decor

You don’t have to put these angels on the tree. Hang several together in a classroom, add them to a bulletin board, or display them around your home.

Turn It Into a Homemade Gift Topper

Instead of adding a bow to a Christmas gift, attach one of the finished angels.

Kids will love knowing that something they made is part of the gift!

Make Each Angel Unique

One thing I love about this angel preschool craft is that kids can make it their own.

Try setting out a variety of decorating supplies and letting children decide how they want their angels to look.

They could use:

• Crayons
• Markers
• Washable paint
• Stickers
• Sequins
• Pom-poms
• Glitter glue

There is no need for every angel to look the same. Letting preschoolers make their own creative choices makes the project much more fun!

Turn This Craft Into a Christmas Learning Activity

This craft can easily become part of a larger Christmas lesson or classroom theme.

If you are teaching children about the Nativity story, angels can be a natural way to begin talking about the Christmas story. Teaching Mama also has a torn paper manger craft that works on fine motor skills and can be paired with this activity.

You could also use the angels alongside these Christmas I Spy printables, which include a Nativity-themed version featuring an angel, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and other elements of the Christmas story.

A Simple Christmas Craft to Save for Later

Yes, we may be getting a very early start on Christmas, but sometimes having activities planned and ready to go makes the busy holiday season so much easier!

Save this angel preschool craft now, print the templates when you’re ready, and you’ll have a sweet Christmas activity ready to pull out when December arrives.

Whether you use these angels as ornaments, classroom decorations, or homemade gift toppers, they are a simple way for preschoolers to practice fine motor skills while creating something special.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Easy Angel Preschool Craft for Christmas appeared first on Teaching Mama.

These would be great for morning work, small groups, or as great resources for independent practice. Add to your lessons and enjoy this free, great resource!

This packet works on a lot of skills for first grade, but doesn’t cover everything. It’s not going to last as homework for the entire year, but it does help with prep to continue to build and learn. 

Activities included in this packet:

• addition and subtraction facts
• simple addition and subtraction problems
• word problems
• comparing numbers
• adding 10 and subtracting 10 (great for working on teen numbers!)
• decomposing numbers
• 2D and 3D shapes
• measurement
• comparing lengths
• graphing and looking at data
• telling time by the hour and half hour
• identifying numbers with base ten blocks

These activities are meant to be a help to you during this time. If your first grader doesn’t know these skills yet, that’s ok! You can either take time to teach it to them or just do the activities of the skills they already know.

Common Questions about 1st Grade Math

What is the best way to teach math to 1st graders? 

It all just depends on the learner. Some do best with bundles that tackle a bunch of topics at once, while others need to go page by page. A small preview of a math problem is also a way to help them get over the fear of answering questions incorrectly. 

What should I purchase to help my 1st grader learn math? 

When it comes to math fluency, you don’t have to purchase anything. Worksheets like this are great because they’re free to print and can be accessed and used right away.

I hope you enjoy this free packet! You can download it by clicking the button below.

More Math Fun for Kids

• Counting Snowballs Addition Cards
• Camping Trip Math Fact Fluency Game
• Root Beer Float Math Cards

The post First Grade At Home Math Packet appeared first on Teaching Mama.

I love babies…but to be really honest, I don’t love being pregnant. I wish I could say I did. I know many woman who feel their best while they are pregnant. But that’s not me. I am always really sick for the first 20 weeks, then I get heartburn, feel very uncomfortable, and really don’t feel like myself. Then there is the labor part. Not really looking forward to that! So pregnancy tends to be a stretching time for me.

As I was having a rough day recently, I decided to go through Scripture and meditate on God‘s word. I was so encouraged and wanted to share with you my favorite verses to read and memorize while being pregnant.

Bible verses to read God’s word

This first verse is actually one of my life verses. I love to pray over this one all the time.

You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. -Isaiah 26:3

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

This verse is used everywhere for babies…but I still love it. I love to think about being knit together in my mother’s womb. God is amazing!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:13-14

More Bible Verses to read while pregnant

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him. To all who call on him in truth. -Psalm 145:17-18

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. – Psalm 22:9-10

Bible verses to read when overwhelmed

It’s easy to be overwhelmed in pregnancy. And sometimes we get overwhelmed by bad news during pregnancy. I love to meditate on this verse and to remind myself to always set my eyes on Him so that my heart is secure.

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. -Psalm 112:7

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. -Colassians 3:1-2

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:8, 11

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ‘s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ‘s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Frequently Asked Questions

Trust in the kingdom of God. These Bible verses can help you seek refuge in knowing that you’re not alone. Many of these apply to various times in life, from when you’re having the highs of pregnancy to when you’re in what feels like the darkest valley on tough days. There hasn’t been a day of my life that has gone by that I didn’t think about the holiness of the word of God, and these words help.

I pray these verses encourage your heart today! Blessings to you!

The post 10 Bible Verses for Pregnancy appeared first on Teaching Mama.

If you are feeling that way, you are not alone.

Kindergarten readiness is about much more than academics. In fact, many children who adjust well to kindergarten are not the ones who walk in knowing the most letters or numbers. They are often the ones who can follow directions, communicate their needs, and work through everyday challenges with growing independence.

The good news is that these skills for preschoolers are not something you have to formally teach. They grow naturally through play, routines, and everyday life at home.

Let’s look at the skills that matter most before kindergarten and some simple ways to help your child build them.

What Are Kindergarten Teachers Really Looking For?

Kindergarten teachers are looking for more than academic knowledge. They want to see children who can function in a classroom, and that means watching for skills you might not expect.

Most parents think kindergarten readiness is mostly academic. And yes, it helps if children have been exposed to letters, numbers, books, and early writing.

But teachers are also watching something else closely.

• Can they follow a two-step direction?
• Can they take turns with other children?
• Can they ask for help when they need it?
• Can they recover when something doesn’t go their way?

These are the skills children use all day long in a classroom. It helps to think of academics as the tools, but these early learning skills are what help children actually use them.

Why Does Independence Matter Before Kindergarten?

Independence matters before kindergarten because children spend most of their school day navigating tasks without a parent there to help. This doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It just means trying.

One of the biggest shifts before kindergarten is learning how to start doing things without needing an adult for every step.

This looks like:

• Trying to put on shoes before asking for help
• Walking over to get what they need instead of waiting
• Opening their snack or lunchbox on their own
• Starting a small task without being told multiple times

When your child says “I can’t do it,” instead of jumping in right away, you might say, “Try one more time before I help you.” That small pause is where independence starts to grow.

What Language and Communication Skills Do Preschoolers Need?

Preschoolers need to be able to speak clearly, listen carefully, and express their needs before they walk into a kindergarten classroom. Children use language all day long in kindergarten. They listen to directions, answer questions, participate in discussions, and communicate with classmates.

Before kindergarten, it’s helpful for children to practice:

• Speaking in complete sentences
• Following simple directions
• Listening during stories
• Asking questions
• Expressing their needs and wants

One of the best things you can do is encourage your child to use their words. Asking questions, sharing ideas, and letting an adult know when they need help are all important preparation for kindergarten.

What Early Math Skills Should Preschoolers Have?

Early math skills for preschoolers go far beyond counting to 10. Many parents focus on counting, but early math includes much more than saying numbers in order.

Kindergarten teachers often look for children who can:

• Count objects accurately
• Recognize some numbers
• Sort items by attributes
• Identify simple patterns
• Compare quantities

For example, understanding that five crackers and five blocks represent the same quantity is an important math concept. Counting skills like this develop naturally when you include your child in everyday activities.

The best part is that you don’t need to create extra math lessons. Everyday routines like setting the table, grocery shopping, and cleaning up provide plenty of opportunities to practice these preschool activities.

Why Are Social and Emotional Skills So Important for Preschoolers?

Social and emotional skills are some of the most important skills for preschoolers because they affect how a child functions in every part of the school day. If I had to choose one area that makes the biggest difference during the transition to kindergarten, it would be social and emotional development.

In a classroom, children are constantly navigating relationships, solving conflicts, waiting for turns, and managing big feelings.

Some helpful social skills for preschoolers include:

• Taking turns
• Sharing materials
• Following group expectations
• Expressing feelings with words
• Asking for help
• Working through frustration

This doesn’t mean children should never get upset. In fact, learning how to handle disappointment is part of the process.

When your child gets frustrated because a tower falls down or a game doesn’t go their way, resist the urge to fix everything immediately. Instead, help them work through it. Those moments build resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence. This is what emotional development in preschoolers looks like in real life.

What Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills Do Preschoolers Need?

Fine motor and gross motor skills are both essential for kindergarten success, and they’re easier to build than most parents think. They show up in everything from holding a pencil to running on the playground.

Fine motor skills help children hold crayons, use scissors, manipulate small objects, and begin writing. Gross motor skills help children run, jump, climb, balance, and participate in physical activities.

Some simple ways to strengthen these fine motor skills include:

• Playing with playdough
• Using child-safe scissors
• Building with blocks
• Drawing and coloring
• Playing at the playground
• Creating obstacle courses
• Dancing and moving to music

It might not look like learning, but squeezing playdough and peeling stickers are helping build the hand strength children need for writing. These fine-motor task cards are another easy way to keep practicing those skills.

What Cognitive Skills Should Preschoolers Be Building?

Preschoolers build cognitive skills every time they try to figure something out on their own. These are the thinking skills behind learning.

You see them when a child is:

• Trying to balance a block tower
• Working through a puzzle
• Remembering steps in a routine
• Figuring out what went wrong and trying again

Instead of stepping in right away, sometimes the most helpful thing is just giving them a moment. Or asking what they think they could try next.

• What do you think you could try?
• Why do you think that happened?
• Is there another way to do it?

Giving children time to think through problems helps build independence and confidence.

How Can You Support Your Preschooler’s Growth at Home?

The best thing you can do is stay involved in the small, everyday moments. Kindergarten is a big milestone for both kids and parents, and it can bring a mix of excitement and worry as you start thinking about what your child needs to know before that first day.

It really comes down to what you’re already doing in everyday life: talking with them, including them in routines, letting them try things on their own, and giving them time to work through small frustrations instead of stepping in right away.

And once school starts, this doesn’t stop. One of the best things you can do is stay connected with your child’s teacher and work together. Teachers see your child in a different setting, and that partnership helps support what your child needs both at school and at home.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really just about giving your child space to practice independence, solve small problems, and step into kindergarten feeling like they can try things on their own.

If you’re looking for a simple, structured way to keep building these skills for preschoolers at home, The Preschool Box is a great resource. It’s a digital subscription box designed specifically for preschool-age kids, with activities that target exactly the kinds of skills we’ve talked about here.

Kindergarten is a big milestone for both kids and parents, and while it’s normal to have questions, I hope you can head into this next season feeling a little more confident.

The post Essential Skills Every Child Should Learn Before Kindergarten appeared first on Teaching Mama.

Some days feel easy and slow, and other days it feels like you’re constantly rotating between outside time, snacks, and trying to figure out what will actually hold their attention for more than five minutes. It doesn’t have to be complicated though. The simplest ideas usually end up being the ones they stick with the longest. If you’re looking for summer activities for preschoolers that are actually easy to pull off, try these out this week.

11 Summer Activities for Preschoolers to Try this Summer:

These 11 outdoor activities for kids are low-prep, cooling, and perfect for preschoolers who need something fun to do when the heat kicks in.

Water Balloon Games

Fill them up and keep it simple. Toss them back and forth, aim for buckets or chalk circles, or just see who can catch one without it popping. If you want to stretch it a little, you can turn it into a color or counting game for younger kids, and it doubles as a quick preschool learning activity without feeling like school.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

This is a simple twist on a scavenger hunt that keeps kids focused a little longer. Instead of just looking for random things outside, you give them a color focus to guide what they’re searching for.

One of my favorite ways to do this is with an empty egg carton. Have your kids color each section a different color, then go outside and find something in nature that matches each one.

If you’d rather skip making your own list, we’ve also put together these free Summer Scavenger Hunt printables that are ready to print and take outside.

Ice Castle Painting

Ice castle painting is exactly what it sounds like: you freeze water in an ice castle mold, take it outside, and let your kids paint it as it melts. This one is always a hit. Fill an ice castle mold with water and freeze it. Once it’s frozen, take it outside and let your kids paint it as it melts. They can use paintbrushes or just water and watch it change as they go. It’s simple, keeps them busy for a bit, and is a nice way to cool off on a hot day.

Nature Collage

Have your kids collect leaves, flowers, grass, or small sticks from outside and glue them onto paper or cardboard. It can be completely open-ended, or you can suggest making a face, animal, or pattern if they need a little direction.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and that’s kind of the point. They just collect what they find and decide how to use it.

Foil S’mores Science Experiment

This one feels like a treat, but it’s really a simple summer science experiment about heat and melting. Wrap graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in foil and place them in a hot spot outside like a sunny driveway or grill (adult help needed).

Check on them after a bit and talk about what changed. What melted first? What looks different? Why did the heat affect it that way? It’s one of the simplest educational summer activities that kids don’t even realize is teaching them something.

Kids usually care less about the “science talk” and more about opening it up at the end, which is exactly what makes it work.

Sponge Relay Race

Grab two buckets and a couple of big sponges. Kids soak the sponge in one bucket, run it to the other bucket, and squeeze it out. It’s simple, active, and perfect for really hot days when you still want outdoor play but need water involved.

You can also switch it up in a few different ways. Some families turn it into a sponge toss game where kids throw wet sponges into buckets, or pass them back and forth in teams to see how fast they can fill a container. The idea is the same: there is lots of movement, lots of water, and kids staying busy without much setup.

You can try this activity with these sponge bombs! We love making them.

Looking for even more ways to cool off? You’ll find plenty of simple water play activities for kids that are perfect for preschoolers on hot summer afternoons.

Car Wash Station

A kids car wash station is one of the easiest outdoor activities for kids: all you need is a bucket of soapy water and a few sponges. Your kids will love this one! You will set up a bucket of soapy water and give kids sponges, washcloths, or even paintbrushes if you have them. Let them wash bikes, scooters, ride-on toys, or anything else they can reach outside. It usually turns into more splashing and playing than actual cleaning, but that’s kind of the point.

Shadow Tracing

This is a great late afternoon or evening activity when the sun is lower and shadows are long. Have your kids stand in one spot while you trace their shadow on the driveway with chalk, or let them trace each other if they want to take turns. Once the outline is done, they can fill it in, decorate it, or turn it into something silly like a superhero or creature.

It’s one of those activities that doesn’t need much setup but tends to hold their attention longer than you’d expect, especially when they start getting creative with what their shadow becomes.

Ice Cube Treasure Hunt

Freeze small toys, beads, or pom-poms inside a large container of ice. Once it’s frozen, give kids tools like spoons, squirt bottles, or even just warm water and let them work to “rescue” the items. They end up chipping, melting, and experimenting with different ways to break the ice apart without much direction needed from you.

It keeps them focused for a surprisingly long time and feels like a mix of fun summer project and pretend play, especially on really hot days when they need something cooling and hands-on.

Water Painting Wall

Give kids paintbrushes and a bucket of water and let them “paint” the fence, driveway, sidewalk, or even the side of the house if that works for you. It disappears as it dries, so they can keep going without any cleanup pressure or worry about making a mess.

Water Drop Race

Use droppers, turkey basters, or even spoons to move water from one container to another. Kids can race each other or just take their time with it as a quiet, focused activity. It’s simple, but it keeps their hands busy and their attention on one small task for longer than you’d expect.

If you want to make it a little more fun visually, add a few drops of food coloring to the water so they can see the colors mix and change as they go.

Sidewalk Chalk + Spray Bottles

Draw roads, shapes, letters, or pictures with sidewalk chalk, then give your preschooler a spray bottle filled with water. They can spray over the chalk to watch it change, blend, or slowly disappear, almost like creating watercolor effects on the driveway.

It usually turns into a mix of art and play as they experiment with how much water to use and what happens when colors start to run together. It’s also a simple way to keep them busy outside while cooling off at the same time.

You don’t need to fill every hour of summer with planned activities. Sometimes all it takes is one simple idea to turn an afternoon around. Pick one or two of these summer learning activities for toddlers and preschoolers, see what your preschooler enjoys, and don’t be afraid to repeat the favorites all summer long.

If you’re looking for a little learning mixed into your summer fun, our Preschool Review Packet includes over 50 no-prep kindergarten readiness activities that are perfect for keeping preschoolers learning between all the outdoor adventures.

The post 11 Engaging Summer Activities for Preschoolers to Beat the Heat appeared first on Teaching Mama.

Not only does this encourage creativity, but it’s also a super simple way to get them off and away from screens while also having us spend time together.

Here are 10 rainy day crafts that we love! You can pick and choose what you like, or go down the list and try to make them all.

Themed crafts are a fun way to keep them entertained and active. Umbrellas make an adorable craft for days that it’s raining, and then once you’re done crafting, as long as it’s safe to go outside, you can also grab an umbrella and take a walk in the rain!

Here are a few fun craft ideas that focus on umbrellas. If you click through the links, you’ll find the full details and instructions on how to complete each one.

All of these crafts use just a few materials and are guaranteed to brighten up a rainy day and help the day pass by quickly! Hope you’ll try some of these rainy day crafts out!

And if you’re looking for ideas to keep kids busy on rainy days, I’ve got you covered!

1

3D Umbrella Rainy Day Card

All you'll need are a few simple supplies to make this adorable rainy day card!

Get the details here

2

Rainy Day Umbrella Craft

Look at all the fun colors of this adorable umbrella craft!

See the full details here

3

Coffee Filter Umbrella Craft

Who knew that you could use coffee filters in so many fun ways?!

See the full details here

4

Looks Like Rain!

This is a great craft to work on fine motor skills!

See the full details here

5

Rainy Day Collage

This cute collage is a true work of art!

See the full details here

6

May Flowers: Springtime Tissue Art

This cute craft gives the kids the freedom to decorate and complete how they see fit.

See the full details here

7

Rainy Day Duck Craft

The kids will have a blast creating this cute little duck!

See the full details here

8

Handprint Umbrella Water Color Resist Art

Cute, simple, and fun!

See the full details here

9

Decorate Your Own Umbrella

They'll be able to decorate their very own umbrella!

See the full details here

10

Thunderstorm Art

This would be a super cute craft to pair with a weather learning theme!

See the full details here

As you can see, there are a ton of ways that you and the kids can stay occupied on a rainy day! Have fun, enjoy the slower pace of the day, and create!

The post 10 Rainy Day Crafts appeared first on Teaching Mama.

This booklet tells the story of Adam and Eve in a way that young children can understand. There are 1-2 sentences per page with a picture.

It is a good helper and a simple way to teach the lesson to younger children. It showcases the Garden of Eden and learning about God’s word.

The booklet comes in color and black and white. The black and white version is great for kids to color!

Encourage them to color the pictures as they imagine they should look. Feel free to ask questions about what they are thinking or why they’re picking a certain color or pattern. These type of pages are great for working together to work on creativty and conversation.

This booklet is designed to be used with children ages 2-7. It’s a good early reader type of book, but still great for little ones who can’t read yet as they can see the pictures to visualize as the words are read to them.

Ways to extend the Bible lesson about Adam and Eve from Genesis

Even though this printable is geared towards younger children, you can talk to kids about understanding good vs evil as well as the sin that happened.

• Read the actual Bible verse, Genesis 3, which describes what the Lord God said and did. Reading it to them after they colored the book is a great way to have them process and understand.
• Talking more about the lesson while they are coloring and creating is a great way to keep the conversations flowing in a casual way. This might help them feel more comfortable asking questions and communicating more.
• Talk about more Old Testament Bible Stories with the kids.
• Explore New Testament Bible Stories together as a family.

How to print the Adam and Eve Booklet PDF

To put together the printable booklet, just follow these steps:

1. Download the PDF to your computer.
2. Open it up in Adobe Reader. Make sure you have the latest version to avoid printing problems.
3. Print the pages.
4. Cut across the dotted lines.
5. Place the pages in order.
6. Staple on the side to complete the booklet.

To download the free printable booklet, just click on the button below!

Check out more Bible Story printables on this page and stay tuned for more!

Looking for more fun activities for kids?

• Social-Emotional Strategies for Preschool
• Christ-Centered Easter Printables for Preschoolers
• Preschool Readiness Checklist

The post Adam and Eve Printable Booklet appeared first on Teaching Mama.

Have you heard of the early learning program ABCmouse?

ABCmouse is an amazing educational program for early learning, offering thousands of interactive activities in reading, math, science, art, and more through a fun, game-based learning experience.

These learning experiences take place on their ad-free portal, so you do need to have a computer or tablet to use the program. If you’re looking for screen free options to pair it with, you could try these fun learning activities using duct tape, or these adorable beginning sound alphabet wheels.

If you’ve been wanting to try it, this is a great time because ABCmouse is offering new subscribers a free 30-day trial (then $14.99/ mo. until canceled)!

Why Families Love ABCmouse

This early learning program is designed for kids ages 2–8, and it provides an evidence-based curriculum with activities across key subjects like reading, math, science, and art. It’s a great option for families who want meaningful screen time and for teachers looking for an engaging supplement.

ABCmouse has no third-party ads, which makes it a safe option for children.

Here’s why so many families (and classrooms!) love it:

 Motivates kids to learn in a way that doesn’t feel like “work”
 Research-backed curriculum that supports real learning gains
 Personalized learning paths so kids can learn at their own pace
 Screen time limits that you can customize
 All-new worlds to explore and learn inside the program

What’s Included

When you sign up, you get access to ABCmouse Premium features, including:

• 13,000+ learning activities
• Personalized learning paths
• 3 child profiles – great for siblings!
• 400+ hours of educational content

There’s a lot to explore!

Great for Home Learning

What I like most is that kids feel like they’re playing, but they’re building real skills at the same time. If you’re looking for a way to encourage learning at home without worksheets all the time, ABCmouse can be a fun option to rotate in.

It works well for:

• extra practice after school
• homeschool learning time
• quiet learning time during the day
• independent play with educational value

Learn More

Before signing up, here are the important details:

• The free trial lasts for 30 days (then $14.99/ mo. until canceled).
• It is for new subscribers on the monthly membership plan.
• Your membership will auto-renew at the monthly rate ($14.99/month until cancelled).

Try Now

Give your child a head start with access 13,000+ learning activities.

Click on the button below to get started!

The post ABCmouse Early Childhood Learning Program appeared first on Teaching Mama.

This printable includes two versions:

• Feed the Rainbow (counting by number cards)
• Feed the Leprechaun (counting + color matching)

What You’ll Need

• Free printable (download is below!)
• Scissors
• Pom poms
• A small container/bowl (to catch the pom poms)
• Optional: laminator, tape/Velcro dots, tweezers/tongs

Before the Activity

1. Print the rainbow or leprechaun page.
2. Cut out the character and cut out the mouth.
3. Place a container underneath so the pom poms have somewhere to fall.
4. Print the “Feed Me!” cards and cut them apart.

Pro Tip: Laminate the character and cards so you can reuse them every March.

Activity 1: Feed the Rainbow

This version is perfect for number recognition + counting.

How to Play

1. Students pick a “Feed Me!” card.
2. They count out the correct number of pom poms.
3. They drop them into the rainbow’s mouth so they land in the container below.

Skills Practiced

• Counting with one-to-one correspondence
• Number recognition
• Fine motor control (especially if you add tongs!)

Easy Differentiation

• Simpler: Use only the smaller numbers first.
• Challenge: Have students put two cards together and add the totals before feeding the rainbow.

Activity 2: Feed the Leprechaun

Kids “feed” the leprechaun using the pom-pom colors shown on the jar cards.

How to Play

1. Students choose a card.
2. They count how many pom poms they need and match the colors.
3. They feed the leprechaun by dropping the pom poms into his mouth.

Skills Prcticed

• Counting objects in a set
• Color recognition + matching
• Visual discrimination
• Fine motor skills

Extra Challenges

• Put the pom poms in a sensory bin (green rice, gold beads, shamrock confetti, etc.)
• Use tweezers/tongs for a “leprechaun tools” fine motor boost

Ways to Use This in Your Classroom

• Math center
• Morning tubs / table time
• Small group intervention (perfect for counting practice!)
• Indoor recess station
• Early finisher activity

Free Printable

If you’d like to use this printable in your classroom, you can download it below!

Hope you love this activity!

The post St. Patrick’s Day Activities appeared first on Teaching Mama.