Do you have a toddler or preschooler learning their colors? This simple activity is a great way to build regular practice into daily play: the “color of the week” basket!
When we were brand new to preschool at home, I often made things more complicated for my kids than they needed to be. Sometimes, the best activities are the simplest ones — because after all, kids learn most through play.
All you need for this activity is a large plastic bowl or basket. You can either pick one up at the dollar store (ours is from Dollar Tree) or go shopping at your local thrift store.
Note: children typically learn colors between their 3rd and 4th birthdays. Your child may pick them up quickly or need a few years of regular practice. For more details on developmental milestones, download this one-page checklist for your fridge.
COLOR OF THE WEEK BASKET
How to use the color of the week basket:
- Every week, choose a color to practice with your child(ren). You can follow a simple pattern (ROYGBIV, for example) or pick colors that fit the season.
- Walk around the house and gather child-safe items that fit the color of the week. You can scroll down to see some of our favorite items.
- Add the basket to your weekly toy rotation or make it part of your “morning time” routine.
- A couple of times a week, talk about the items in the basket. Learn the ASL signs for the toys and objects. Take turns choosing an object and sign both the color and the name (orange + ball, yellow + bus, blue + train).
- You can also use the color of the week at mealtime — set the table with a yellow plate, yellow cup, and yellow fork.
- If your child is old enough, invite them to help you pick items each week. (“Can you find three green toys in your room?”)
After a few months of cycling through the colors, you’ll be amazed at what your toddler or preschooler can remember!
Recommended items for your color of the week basket
The beauty of this simple basket is that you don’t have to go out and purchase any additional materials. You probably already have lots of things in your home! But, if you’re adding items to your wishlist for the next birthday or holiday, here are some things we love:
(Reminder: Rolling Prairie Readers uses affiliate links at no additional cost to you. You can see our full disclosure policy here.)
For more on the color of the week basket, watch this video on our YouTube channel:
Have you tried a color of the week basket?
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