Kids in the play group stage are always on the move—touching, trying, asking, and learning as they go. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce straightforward, experiential concepts that foster their ability to think, create, and discover. Regardless of whether you are a parent or a teacher, the concepts presented here are simple to implement and enjoyable for children.
Take a look at a few fun ways to get started.
Finger Painting on Paper Plates
This classic activity for play group never goes out of style. All you need are a few paper plates, non-toxic paint, and wet wipes.
Let the children dip their fingers in different colours and make patterns on the plate. You can guide them to create suns, flowers, or simple faces. The round shape of the plate is easier to handle than a large sheet.
Why it works:
It improves fine motor skills and helps develop an understanding of shape and space. Plus, kids love the texture and colours.
Sorting Buttons by Colour or Size
Place a mix of buttons on a tray and give the child small cups to sort them. Encourage them to group the buttons by colour first, then by size.
Add-on tip: If buttons feel too small, use pom-poms or large beads.
Why it works:
This simple game builds observation and categorisation—two foundational skills for learning.
Tissue Paper Collage
Cut colourful tissue paper into small squares. Ask your child to crumple them and glue them onto a paper drawing. For example, if you’ve drawn a tree, let them stick green tissue on the leaves and brown on the trunk.
This is one of the best play group activities for preschoolers to encourage hand strength and colour understanding.
Why it works:
It combines art with tactile input. Children feel, see, and decide where to stick—creating their version of the world.
Nature Treasure Hunt Indoors
You don’t need a park to explore nature. Hide natural items like leaves, stones, feathers, or flower petals around the house. Give them clues like “Find something green and crunchy” or “Find something smooth and round.”
Why it works:
This activity boosts curiosity and language skills. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce descriptive words.
Bubble Wrap Stomp
Let children stomp their feet on a piece of bubble wrap that has been placed on the floor. You can turn it into a game: stomp on the bubble with a red sticker or walk along a bubble path.
Why it works:
Children enjoy the sound and feel of the bubbles. It’s safe, needs no tools, and is a great way to burn off energy.
Animal Action Cards
Draw or print cards with pictures of animals. Each child picks a card and imitates that animal. If the card says “frog,” they jump. If it’s “cat,” they crawl.
This is a go-to activity for playgroup children during circle time or after snacks.
Why it works:
It promotes vocabulary development, creativity, and movement. Youngsters pick up the ability to link words to actions.
Build with Soft Blocks and Story Time
Bring out the building blocks and set a theme—like making a house for a teddy bear. Once they’ve built it, you can ask them questions: Who lives here? What’s their name? What do they eat?
Why it works:
This combines construction with storytelling. It builds imagination and teaches sequencing.
Fruit and Vegetable Printing
Cut apples, okra, and potatoes in half. Dip them in paint and press them on paper. Each makes a different print. You can even create trees or animals using multiple prints.
Why it works:
It’s fun and introduces children to textures, shapes, and nature’s patterns. Also, they learn that everyday objects can become art tools.
Threading Straws onto Shoelaces
Cut straws into 2-inch pieces and give children shoelaces. Let them thread the straws like beads. You can turn it into a colour pattern game—red, blue, red, blue.
Why it works:
This strengthens finger control, focus, and hand-eye coordination—core skills for writing later.
Match the Shadow Game
Create cut-outs of familiar objects (spoon, cup, duck, ball). On a separate sheet, draw just the outline or shadow. Ask your child to match the object to its shadow.
This is a wonderful quiet-time activity for play group students that also builds cognitive skills.
Why it works:
It sharpens visual discrimination and observation. Matching activities also bring a strong sense of satisfaction when completed correctly.
Sand Tray Alphabet Practice
Pour fine sand or semolina into a tray. Show children how to draw lines, curves, or even the first letter of their name with their finger.
You can also hide small objects in the sand and ask them to find them.
Why it works:
Sensory play improves focus and helps in early literacy development. It’s calming and very easy to set up.
Freeze Dance with a Twist
Play music and let kids dance freely. Pause the music at random, and when it stops, shout an action: “Touch your toes!” or “Make a silly face!”
Why it works:
It mixes fun with listening skills. Plus, it gives children practice in responding to sound and instruction.
Draw Around My Hand
Place the child’s hand on a sheet of paper and trace around it. Ask them to draw a face, decorate the fingers, or turn it into a peacock or a flower.
Why it works:
It teaches body awareness, shape tracing, and personal creativity.
Cup Tower Challenge
Give children plastic cups and let them build the tallest tower they can. Add an extra challenge—how many blocks can the tower hold?
Why it works:
This activity for play group turns simple stacking into a problem-solving task. It teaches balance, planning, and patience.
Peg Colour Match
Paint sections of a cardboard circle in different colours. Paint pegs to match. Let the child clip the pin on the matching colour.
Why it works:
It improves finger grip and colour recognition. It’s also great for quiet time.
We hope you liked our curation of activities for play group students & play group activities for preschoolers. Every one of these activities for play group students can be done with common household items. You don’t need fancy tools—just your time, attention, and a little bit of preparation.
Children learn best when they play. These activities spark curiosity, build fine motor and language skills, and make learning feel natural.
Want more ideas like these? To see how early learning comes alive in everyday moments, check out Kangaroo Kids International Preschool. Visit www.kangarookids.in for more.
