Cover Ball: A Game for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Here's an easy-to-prepare game that toddlers and preschoolers alike love!  It reinforces colors, matching, counting, and taking turns!

How does it work?  Use a bucket filled with colored balls (or plastic easter eggs or other colorful toys).  Drape a blanket over the bucket.  Take turns with the kids reaching your arms in, grabbing two balls, and pulling them out.  Don't peek while your hands are in the bucket!  If the balls match, you get another turn!  If they don't match, put them back and wait for another turn!  Older preschoolers can save their match and work toward a goal...say, six balls or three matches.  Younger children can just play for an allotted time.