Games to Play With Children to Help With Color Recognition
Many children start to learn colors at around 2 1/2 years old, though some learn earlier and some later. While it helps to mention colors and point them out to a child, many children need a bit more focused help, according to developmental specialists at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community's Early Childhood Center. Color recognition games that involve little preparation allow parents to reinforce color skills.
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Color Hunt
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Make simple binoculars and explore the world of colors. Let your child color two toilet paper rolls. Staple them together (side by side) to create a pair of binoculars. Make two small holes in one end and string a piece of yarn through them to hang around the child's neck. Ask your child to hunt for something red or blue or green (give her one color at a time) and then report back to you with her findings. You can also use the binoculars to play "I Spy." Take turns saying "I spy something red" and then letting the other person use the binoculars to scan the room for the item.
Go Fishing
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Use construction paper, magnetic strips and craft sticks to create your own color-themed fishing game. Cut different-colored fish shapes out of construction paper and glue a small magnetic strip (available at craft stores) onto the back of each fish. Create a fishing rod by tying a small piece of yarn to a craft stick. Attach a magnet to the end of the string. Take turns using the fishing rod to "catch" various-colored fish.
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Matching
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Create a homemade matching game to help reinforce color skills. This game lends itself to several variations. Cut out different-colored squares and place them on the floor. Gather a pile of toys in various hues. Let your child take a card from the pile and find toys that match the color.
Glue a same-colored square onto two separate index cards. Continue until you create two cards for each color you want to teach your child. Mix up the cards and place them face down on the floor. Take turns flipping over the cards, two at a time, attempting to find two of the same color.
Treasure Hunt
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Turn the backyard sandbox or sand table into a tool for teaching color recognition. Hide various colored objects inside of the sandbox---small colored balls or plastic bugs/animals work well. Give your child a bucket and ask him to put all of the "blue" items inside of it. Count them together when he finishes collecting for some math skills practice.
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