Alphabet Match

Supplies: plastic fruit and vegetables, 3x5 index cards, and markers

Process: Before playing the game, gather eight to ten pieces of plastic fruit or vegetables. Use markers to make letters on the 3x5 cards that match the first letter of the food you are using. For example, write a "w" on a card if you have a piece of watermelon. When it is game time, line the food on the floor facing the children. Then line the cards under the food. Have the children sound out each item match the item to the card. Place the food on top of the card. When all the cards are covered, play again!

Teach Well: When you are all done playing this game, keep it out for center time. Let the children try and match it themselves.

Fruit Hockey

I love games out of the ordinary! Hockey sticks are a great way to work on gross motor skills while still having a blast! Plastic hockey sticks are one of my favorite items. Although they are expensive you may find items at your local dollar store that you can use instead. I have a dollar store set of golf clubs that work the same. Just be ready with the duct tape in case any handles fall off! Cones are useful to create start and finish lines. You can also find a set of three at your local dollar store.

Supplies: plastic fruit, plastic hockey sticks, four cones

Process: Create your field with two cones on each side. Try to keep the field small and if the children are doing well at using the hockey sticks then make your field larger. Give each child a plastic piece of fruit. Have them only use their hockey stick to guide the fruit to the other side of the field.

Teach Well: This is a non-competitive game. Safety first! Remind them to always keep their hockey stick on the floor. If their stick is always touching the floor, no one will get hurt and there will be no fruit flying across the room. If you are at home a great place to play this is in a hallway.