Here’s a fun file folder game, which can be used to help children sharpen their discrimination skills. Correctly matching up the cows will encourage children to learn how to recognize subtle differences between objects. The ability to do so, will aid children in every learning aspect of the classroom. I chose to use cows for my farm unit, but this concept can be adapted to fit any unit. I hope that your children enjoy this as much as mine have.
MATERIALS USED:
– File folder
– Our free cow template
– Color coding labels
– Construction paper
– Scissors
– Glue
One of my favorite children’s books is The Little Red Hen. I read it every year to my class. I often pair the story with this interactive circle time activity, which is designed to improve listening skills, and teach colors. It also gives children an opportunity to follow directions and to participate during large group.
Cut out colored hens to match the colors in the poem (the hen pattern is provided here). I happened to have some extra felt, so I just used that. However, construction paper will work just as well. Glue the hens onto paper plates, add some googly eyes, and coordinating craft sticks. I used watercolors to color the sticks.
During circle time, give each child a hen. Some colors may have to be repeated depending upon how many children are in the circle. Instruct the children to hold up their hen when they hear their color, then read the poem below. This is a fantastic attention grabber. My preschoolers, even my “busy” ones, hold their breath with anticipation, just waiting to hear their color words; they get so excited to spring into action!
THE COLORED HENS POEM
This little hen is brown
You’ll never catch her with a frown
This little hen is black
She’s not a duck, so she doesn’t quack
This little hen is yellow
She’s friends with Mr. Rooster – he’s a happy fellow
This little hen is purple
She likes to walk in a circle
This little hen is green
On the farm she can been seen
This little hen is blue,
She likes to follow me and you
This little hen is red
She’s laid all her eggs in her bed
After the poem is read, and all the hens have been held up, talk about the different colors. To build phonemic awareness, the rhyming words should also be repeated and discussed.
MATERIALS USED:
– Colored felt or construction paper
– Our hen template
– Scissors
– Tacky glue
– Paper plates
– Jumbo craft sticks/tongue depressors
– Washable liquid watercolors
– Googly eyes
I often use file folder games as teaching tools. Children love them, and they are cost effective and easy to make. File folder games are also extremely versatile and can be made to teach almost any concept.
This particular game is perfect for the Easter season and color recognition practice.
MATERIALS USED:
– File Folder
– Construction paper in colors of your choice
– Bunny and egg pattern (download the free template here)
– Scissors and Glue
We're Gigi and Zoey. We teach a two-year program (preschool and pre-k), and we're passionate about Early Childhood Education and the philosophy that children learn through play. Our goal is to prepare children for kindergarten while making learning fun.
We hope that our resources inspire you, and that you will share them with your little ones.
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. I read it every year to my class. I often pair the story with this interactive circle time activity, which is designed to improve listening skills, and teach colors. It also gives children an opportunity to follow directions and to participate during large group. 
