How to Prepare Activity Sheets for Your Pre-Schooler

The first five years before a child enters school are pivotal growth and brain development years. The type of exposure and educational experiences that a child encounters during that time can become the educational foundation for a lifetime.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a cheap folder with metal prongs
• loose-leaf notebook paper
• ink pens
• pencils

1. Think back to the activity sheets that you completed as a pre-schooler. They included activities such as matching, circling the object that does not belong, choosing what comes next in the pattern and tracing letters. None of these early developmental concepts have changed. So, pattern your activity sheets after this type of early curriculum.

2. Prepare the folder. I am not the owner of a photocopying machine. Therefore, I have to prepare each sheet as an original. Place several sheets of loose-leaf notebook paper in a cheap folder with metal prongs thus making it easier to keep the papers together. Prepare the sheets in blue or black ink. Be sure to write directions on each page as well as a line for the child's name. Place the date on each sheet as well. The purpose of the date is to preserve the memories as the child continues to grow and develop. It also serves as a reference point for showing the kindergarten teacher what your child knows.

3. Prepare the matching sheets. The first few sheets should be something fun such as matching activities. Initial fun activities will draw the kids in to the fact that learning can be fun. On the left hand column, draw four different simple shapes or pictures vertically. On the other side, draw the same four shapes or pictures vertically but in reverse order. The directions should be to match the pictures that are alike by drawing a line between them.

Tips & Warnings

• Never prepare too many sheets at once for a child to complete in one sitting because a child's attention span is very short. Following the matching sheets, tracing sheets, circling the object that does not belong, and completing the pattern sheets may be created.
• Be very careful to not be overbearing as the child is completing these sheets. An excessively overbearing parent can cause the child to lose interest, become afraid or not understand the concepts for fear of trying to please mommy and daddy.