How to teach your toddler colors through play

Helping your toddler or preschooler to learn their colors can be fun and rewarding for both of you!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• colorful objects or toys
• time to play
• patienience
• the ability to have fun

1. Get down on the floor with your child. Let them know that you are interested in what they are playing with.

2. Ask them questions like: what color block do you have? -or- Can you hand me the blue block, please?... if they choose the wrong color encourage them with a phrase like: That's the yellow block. Can you find one that's blue?

3. Make it fun! Laugh with them and smile. Keep your tone light and welcoming. Remember that repetition is key to the learning process.

4. Include color hints during clean up time as well: Let's put all the green blocks away first, can you find all of the green ones?

5. Praise your child when s/he gets a color correct. High fives, clapping hands, hugs, and kisses are all acceptable. The key is to make them feel smart, as well as proud of themselves for doing a good job. This will encourage them to keep trying when they make a mistake.

Tips & Warnings

• Working with colors isn't just limited to blocks, add in color comments and questions where ever you find an opening:
• clothes (what color is your shirt today?)
• dolls (what color dress would you like your doll to wear?)
• food (what color are your carrots?)
• nature (autumn leaves, grass, sky, birds, berries, flowers)
• vehicles (when you're driving you can point out or try to have them "spy" certain colored vehicles)
• It is important to gently correct rather than scold when a child gets a color incorrect. Shaming a child during the learning process may lower their self-esteem.