Activity Archives - Cadence Education

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Play is the foundation of early learning. Long before children read their first word or solve their first math problem, they learn through hands-on exploration — building, pretending, creating, moving, experimenting, asking questions, and interacting with others.

When children play, their brains form the pathways that support language, memory, problem-solving, motor development, and social-emotional growth.

This resources article brings together 50+ developmentally meaningful activities across every early learning domain — from art and math to science, cooking, literacy, social-emotional learning, and motor development.

Each activity is simple to set up at home and includes age adaptations for 2, 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, making learning inclusive for all stages of preschool.

Explore the categories below to find engaging, play-based experiences tailored to your child’s interests and developmental needs.

All Free Activities For Kids By Subject:

Art Activities for Preschoolers
STEM Activities for Kids
Cooking & Food-Based Learning Activities
Literacy And Language Activities for Preschoolers
Motor Skills Activities for Kids
Math Activities for Kids
Free Learning Tools and Resources for Kids (In This Article!)

mom and son on computer fifty activities for kids free learning tools and resources

Free Learning Tools and Resources for Kids

As a parent and/or teacher, you no doubt want to provide quality education for your children. Believe it or not, there are hundreds of learning tools for kids of all ages available. However, with so many options, it can be close to impossible to find quality learning tools that are not only educational but fun and enjoyable for children. In the end, you want to cultivate a love of learning in your children rather than force education on them.

Whether your child is an infant, in preschool, attending kindergarten, or enrolled in elementary school, there are learning tools available that are tailored to their needs. If your child needs to catch up on a certain subject or simply get ahead in another, check out our comprehensive educational guide for children!

Learning Tools for Kids

Basic learning tools are great resources to simply get children excited about learning. Any of these resources will no doubt help to stimulate their young minds and get them involved in their lessons. Keep reading to find the top learning tools for kids!

TedEd – If you have ideas worth spreading, TedEd is the most popular platform for kids of all ages to create and learn!

Khan Academy – An educational website for every student in every type of classroom. Their mission is to provide a free, exceptional class education for anyone and everyone.

Time4Learning – This online education platform is perfect for students at any grade level. They even offer help with kids that are homeschooled.

Time4Writing – Have a child that is homeschooled? This website is perfect to alleviate the stress of grading papers and assignments because here they provide you with actual teachers to grade papers.

Glogster – This is a learning platform that strives to empower kids to express themselves and their knowledge through this online multimedia digital poster.

Proprofs – Ready to test your knowledge? Proprofs enables you to make quizzes with over 100k easy to use templates.

PBS Kids – A highly interactive website, your child gets access to games, videos and other animated cartoon characters great for young children.

Educational Videos for Kids

Videos are great learning tools because they give a visual representation of what is being discussed. When children watch videos, they are more likely to remember what they learned and be engaged in the topics. Check out these top educational videos for kids!

WatchKnowLearn – From language arts to technology, this tool offers free educational videos in all subjects.

LearningGamesForKids – Focused on kids in elementary school, this curriculum helps children build a strong foundation in education through informative videos!

StoryBots – Enter a world of learning and fun with StoryBots. They have award-winning content that allows users to stream videos from a variety of websites, providing content that’s easy to access.

Turtle Diary – Turtle Diary is where interactive activities meet educational videos. They focus on making learning tough subjects fun!

Learning Station Music – Learning Station utilizes music to teach children fundamental lessons in child development. From alphabet songs to number songs, your options are limitless.

National Geographic Kids – NatGeo Kids covers all topics concerning geography and wildlife. Their categories include animals and exploration with interactive games and quizzes.

Educational Videos and Games For Toddlers

As with kids, toddlers are often enraptured with television. They love watching little cartoon characters go on adventures. So why not make sure those videos are educational? Here are the top resources for finding educational videos for toddlers!

Muslim Kids – Targeted to Muslim children, this website helps kids learn English in a safe way. This includes videos tailored to children, providing high-quality, value-based programs.

Common Sense Media – This is a non-profit organization that provides education and advocacy for families to promote safe technology and media for children of all ages.

Sheppard Software – With this website, hundreds of free and convenient online learning games are available for kids.

PBS Kids Games – This resource offers educational games in various subjects, such as math to science, giving your kids an endless selection of fun! PBS offers a fun way to learn new subjects through games and online activities.

Mr. Nussabaum – This educational website is a tool for parents to use with their children. It is a great resource to boost your child’s learning outside of the classroom!

Fun Brain – Fun Brain is unique because they offer not only interactive games in Math but they also have interactive reading pieces on their website.

Primary Games – Primary Games is a collection of arcade games, puzzles, and videos. Primary games are exclusive to children in first through eighth-grade.

ABCYa – This interactive educational website caters to children in pre-K through sixth grade. They offer a wide collection of games, videos, and audiobooks.

Arcademics – Covering all subjects, Arcademics is one of the most versatile educational websites out there.

Education.com – This website offers resources that support children of all learning types. Every activity is tailored to accommodate each child’s curious mind.

Smarty Games – This is a free online learning platform perfect for kids inside and outside the classroom. They even track the progress of children as they complete educational tasks on the website.

Kindergarten Websites

Kindergarten is a very influential time in a child’s life. Kindergarten websites thus provide a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and homeschooled children to play games, watch videos, and interact with lessons. In the end, these help children learn and grow in their first year of school. Check out these kindergarten websites below!

Curious World – This website boosts academic skills and fosters your child’s curiosity through fun hands-on activities. Curious World is guaranteed to be completely safe and ad-free, whether online or offline.

Brain POP – Brain POP has a wide range of school activities ranging from STEM to social studies. It can also be used by educators in the classroom.

FarFaria – If you are trying to help your child improve his or her reading ability, FarFaria is a great tool to help you do so. There are endless genres for you and your child to pick from!

StarFall – Starfall emphasizes exploration, play, and positive reinforcement and is tailored to children from preschool to third grade. The low-cost membership includes animated songs, as well as math and reading activities.

Fun Brain JR – A great resource for young children, topics covered and taught through their curriculum includes math and reading, as well as printable activities. The interactive parent page allows parents to do the activities with their kids.

Preschool Websites

Before children enter kindergarten, it never hurts to prepare them for it. Preschool websites are thus great resources to help kids learn valuable skills before their schooling adventures. Some of these websites even teach preschoolers to read before kindergarten! Keep reading to find ones that suit your child!

PreKinders – If you are looking to find a great educational website for your child to prepare for school, this is the one for you. PreKinders mixes play and fun with practical learning.

Teach Preschool – Teach Preschool strives to grow your teaching skills and strategies to be a part of a warm and inviting community of dedicated early childhood educators.

Science Websites for Kids

One of the most exciting subjects in school is science. Children learn about the earth, space, and how things work. That being said, one of the most influential learning tools for kids are websites dedicated to teaching science. Keep reading to find which sites your child will love!

IXL – This is a personalized learning website great for children in Pre-K to the fourth grade. Through this website, children are immersed in various learning experiences related to STEM.

OLogy – Ology is a science website, home to endless lessons and activities inspired by the American Museum of Natural History.

Girl Start – This website has a mission to empower girls in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is tailored to parents, young girls, volunteers, and educators.

EIA Energy Kids – While most science websites for kids broadly cover several STEM topics, Energy Kids just focuses on one thing: Energy! Run by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this site has tons of rich material for kids to explore.

Exploratorium – This is an informative blog that teaches kids about all areas of STEM, educating and empowering children everywhere.

Bill Nye – Founded by the famous scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, this website is made to foster scientific imagination in children.

ThoughtCo. – ThoughtCo. gives kids the chance to explore their curiosity. It teaches children how science is part of everyday life.

Science News for Students – This website offers blog posts and news articles that inform students of the latest topics in STEM.

Free Educational Apps for Kids

Apps are great learning tools for kids because you can access them on the go. This way, you don’t have to isolate learning to home and school. You can take the fun of learning with you. In the waiting room at the doctor’s office? Get a free educational app to keep your child busy! Keep reading to find the best free educational apps for kids!

Vroom – With over 1,000 free activities, your child is given a great chance to start learning early before starting preschool. Vroom understands the importance of brain-building.

Kodable – This website teaches children how to do computer coding. There are over 70 lessons with both on-screen and off-screen activities. Each lesson includes clear instructions, making coding fun and easy to learn.

Hopscotch – Through fun, interactive games, Hopscotch teaches computer coding to children.

Chicken Coop Fraction Games – This app teaches children math, helping them ace fractions with hilarious chicken-themed educational games.

Homer – This website provides kids the best educational start possible. Interactive stories and reading activities help children improve their reading ability.

Sesame Street – This website is home to fun, educational games. Classic Sesame Street characters are present in each activity, making each interactive game unique and exciting for kids.

Educational Apps for Toddlers

Toddlers often have a difficult time sitting still. They want to walk and talk and play almost all the time. Downloading an educational app for toddlers on your phone is thus a great way to keep them quiet and busy while encouraging them to learn. Below are some of the best apps for toddlers available!

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox – Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a collection of 7 educational games for your toddler. It is extremely interactive, usable in a total of 8 languages.

Bugs and Button – This app helps your toddlers identify patterns and colors in an interactive way. There are a total of 18 educational games and activities.

Duck Duck Moose – Moose Math makes mathematical learning fun for children! It teaches counting, addition, and subtraction.

LeapFrog Academy – This app is filled with more than two thousand engaging games and activities for children between the ages of three and six. Though there is a free trial, there is a subscription service fee.

SpinLight – Spinlight helps your child learn the alphabet in a creative way. It is one of the top-rated alphabet apps on the Apple store.

Educational Apps for Preschoolers

There are so many things preschoolers need to know before entering kindergarten. For example, they need to know their numbers and letters. As a busy parent, it isn’t always easy to instill all these lessons in your children. That’s why educational apps for preschoolers are great learning tools for kids: you can help your child learn on the go. Check out these awesome apps for your preschooler!

Peg + Cat Big Gig – This app enables children between the ages three through six to practice their math skills by learning and creating songs.

Elmo Loves 123 – Elmo loves 123 includes games and activities that will help your child learn more about numbers and counting.

Endless Alphabet – If your child is in the beginning stages of learning the alphabet, then this is the perfect app for you. It is a great hands-on learning experience that helps kids master the alphabet.

Educational App Store – This educational app is designed to teach your kids more about the alphabet through games, such as puzzles and other interactive tasks.

AlphaTots Alphabet – This app includes 26 fun preschool puzzles and mini-games that help kids learn the alphabet with engaging sing-a-longs.

Reading Websites For Elementary Students

Elementary school students are well on their way to middle school, so it’s important to make sure they are performing well in their classes. If your child struggles in reading, wants to improve his or her reading ability, or simply loves reading and writing, these reading websites for elementary students are the perfect learning tools for kids!

Reading Rockets – Reading Rockets is a top-notch resource that helps children learn how to read as well as improve their reading ability.

Reading Bear – Another great resource for learning, Reading Bear helps children learn how to read through teaching sounds and syllables.

Reading Eggs – This is a great website to make learning to read easy and fun and is a perfect resource for parents to use with their kids.

Choosito – This website hosts more than 200,000 sites, making it easy to find the perfect reading resource for your child.

Storyline Online – Storyline Online teaches a wide variety of genres, making it easy for children to understand them. Plus, the stories often teach valuable morals.

Common Lit – Common Lit helps to drive growth and measure progress through effective literacy programs, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Story Place – Story Place holds a variety of activities to help kickstart your child’s journey in learning how to read.

Reading Websites for Kindergarten

Most kids learn how to read in kindergarten. However, for some kids, it’s a hard subject to learn. Whether you are a parent homeschooling your child or simply want to aid your child in learning how to read well, these reading websites for kindergarten students are great learning tools for kids!

PBS Learning Media – Arizona PBS has curated multiple learning websites through interactive games, lesson plans, and entertaining videos. Their goal is to help children be prepared for grade school.

Tumble Books – Tumble Book Library includes a large database of children’s Ebooks in many different languages.

Science Books For Kids

If your child has cultivated a love of science, purchasing some science books for them will no doubt encourage that scientific passion. Check out these sources for purchasing science books for kids!

Geek Wrapped – This website showcases the top 100 best science books that make young explorers excited to read!

Science Friday – This reading website is home to a collection of true stories. You can even opt for book recommendations based on your child’s subject of interest.

Read Brightly – This website allows parents to see what books are most popular in their region. Read Brightly provides the resources needed to help parents raise kids with a love of reading.

Final Thoughts

There is no single roadmap for learning in early childhood — every child grows in their own way and at their own pace. What matters most is that learning feels joyful, curious, hands on, and connected to real experiences. When children explore through art, science, cooking, math, stories, movement, and social play, they develop the essential skills that support kindergarten readiness and long-term academic success — all while building confidence, independence, imagination, and social-emotional strength.

Whether your child prefers quiet activities or big movement, sensory play or storytelling, building or pretend play, these moments of discovery shape the way they see themselves as learners. Small, everyday play experiences — even 10 minutes at a time — make a powerful difference. And the best part? You don’t need fancy materials or complicated projects. Your time, encouragement, and presence are what make learning meaningful.

See Why Families Love Learning at Cadence Education

If you’re beginning to think about preschool — or wondering whether your child is ready — we’re here to help. Cadence Education schools are designed to nurture the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our teachers create warm, welcoming classrooms where children feel safe to try new things, make friends, take risks, ask questions, and discover what makes them unique.

We would love the opportunity to meet your family, learn more about your child, and support you in finding the perfect fit.

→ Find a Cadence school near you

Science is all around young children, and they are naturally built to explore it. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K learners pour, scoop, mix, build, and watch what happens, they are doing much more than playing. They are testing ideas, asking questions, and beginning to think like scientists and engineers.

Hands on science and STEM activities invite children to experiment with real materials, notice patterns, compare results, and talk about what they see. Each time they make a prediction, try something out, and check what changed, they practice problem solving, early math and measurement, fine motor coordination, and persistence. Most importantly, they discover that they are capable of figuring things out.

The playful STEM activities below help turn everyday moments into meaningful discoveries that build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Which Cup Has More? (Conservation of Liquids)

Explore how the same amount of water looks different depending on the shape of a container. Water play is a fun hands-on way to experiment with the conservation of liquids.

Steps

Pour the same amount of water into two containers with different shapes.

Observe together how the water looks higher or lower depending on the container.

Pour water back and forth to compare again.

Talk about what your child notices or predicts.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Explore with containers of various shapes during bath or sink play.

Three-year-olds — Create a dishwashing sensory bin and compare water amounts in different containers.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Use food coloring to pour water into different containers and compare using measuring cups.

Skills Supported

Conservation of liquids, fine motor pouring, imagination, scientific observation

Compare Size and Weight

Children compare the size and weight of objects using simple household tools.

Steps

Gather objects of varying shapes and weights.

Predict which items are heavy or light.

Compare items using hands or simple tools.

Talk about similarities and differences.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Explore measurement with cups and spoons in sensory play.

Three-year-olds — Use scales, measure outlines, and observe evaporation outdoors.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Weigh popcorn seeds vs. popped popcorn and conduct scavenger-hunt weighing challenges.

Skills Supported

Critical thinking, sensory exploration, early math and science skills

Conduct Cooking Experiments with Assistance

Cooking becomes a science and sensory experiment as children explore textures, smells, and ingredients. Mixing and measuring build confidence and self-expression.

Steps

Choose a kid-friendly recipe.

Smell, touch, and mix ingredients.

Compare textures before and after cooking.

Taste and discuss what changed.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Smell, taste, and mix ingredients; explore recipe books with photos.

Three-year-olds — Follow a recipe and talk about family food traditions.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Choose ingredients at the store, measure them, and explore cultural food videos or books.

Skills Supported

Language development, critical thinking, sensory exploration, early math, cultural awareness

Lima Bean Planting: Watch It Grow!

Plant seeds and observe how they change and grow over time.

Steps

Place soil in a small paper cup.

Plant a bean and water lightly.

Place the cup near sunlight.

Check growth daily and discuss changes.

Materials

Beans, soil, small paper cup, spray bottle, water

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Scoop soil with a spoon and water with a spray bottle.

Three-year-olds — View pictures of plant growth and water daily.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Discuss what plants need to grow and track watering independently.

Skills Supported

Science, responsibility, following steps

Paper Airplanes: Fly High in the Sky!

Explore air power by folding and flying paper airplanes.

Steps

Fold a paper airplane together.

Fly the paper airplane in an open space.

Compare distances and flight paths.

Talk about what helps planes fly farther.

Materials

Paper, wide outdoor area

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Decorate paper and compare flight with and without a fan.

Three-year-olds — Fold their own airplane and fly together.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Look up folding designs, make predictions, and test wind/air movement with a fan.

Skills Supported

Understanding airflow, fine motor folding, vocabulary, testing predictions

Sandcastle Building: Do You Want to Build a Sandcastle?

Build sand structures using simple household tools.

Steps

Fill a container with sand.

Pack sand into cups and turn them upside down to build towers.

Add decorations or accessories.

Talk about why some structures stand and others fall.

Materials

Sand, container, plastic cups, shovels

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Use edible moon sand (flour + oil).

Three-year-olds — Count scoops and pretend to bury treasure.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Try recreating sandcastles from online photos or videos.

Skills Supported

Sensory exploration, early engineering, imaginative play

Learning Your Body Parts (Head to Toe Science)

Children learn to identify and name body parts using play, songs, and books.

Steps

Sing and point to body parts together.

Play naming and movement games.

Add new vocabulary as children learn.

Talk about how body parts work and what they do.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Sing body songs and read children’s anatomy books.

Three-year-olds — Play naming and pointing games with simple and complex body-part vocabulary.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Discuss how body parts function (digestion, breathing, circulation, bones, muscles, skin).

Skills Supported

Anatomy knowledge, vocabulary building, gross motor development (movement and dancing)

Looking for more activities?

If your child enjoyed these STEM activities, there is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, create, investigate, and problem-solve across every developmental area. Explore more preschool learning activities including art, math, literacy, cooking, social emotional learning, and fine and gross motor play.

→ Explore dozens of other free activities for kids here.

Why Science and STEM Activities Matter for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Science and STEM experiences in early childhood do more than teach facts. They help children make sense of how the world works while building skills that support school readiness across every learning area.

• Science and STEM nurture curiosity and scientific thinking.
Young children are natural scientists who learn through inquiry, trial and error, and hands on exploration. When adults support that curiosity, children build strong foundations for later science learning (NAEYC).

• STEM activities build problem solving, critical thinking, and early math skills.
Exploring cause and effect, comparing quantities, measuring, building structures, and testing designs help children develop analytical thinking, early numeracy, and persistence with challenging tasks (Accelerate Learning).

• Doing science supports language development and vocabulary.
Talking about observations, describing changes, explaining ideas, and asking questions during science activities strengthen vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension (NAEYC).

• Hands on STEM boosts motivation, confidence, and executive function.
Well designed science and STEM experiences can increase children’s motivation for science, support focus and working memory, and help them see themselves as capable problem solvers (ED.GOV).

What This Means For Families

Simple materials like water, sand, cups, blocks, paper, leaves, and everyday household objects can become powerful STEM tools. When children pour, stack, sort, build, and watch how things move or change, they are learning to investigate.

You can support science and STEM by slowing down and wondering together. Ask questions such as “What do you notice,” “What do you think will happen next,” and “How could we try that a different way.” Give children time to test their ideas, make mistakes, and try again. Celebrate effort and curiosity more than getting the “right” answer.

With simple, everyday experiences, families can help children build:

✔ curiosity and a love of learning
✔ problem solving and critical thinking
✔ early math, measurement, and observation skills
✔ language for describing ideas, questions, and discoveries
✔ confidence in their ability to figure things out

Every time a child asks “why,” tests a guess, or notices something new, they are growing as a scientist.

Daily STEM Discovery with Cadence Education

At Cadence Education, children learn by exploring, testing ideas, and asking big questions. Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are designed to spark curiosity, with opportunities for children to pour, build, design, observe, and investigate how things work. Through these STEM rich experiences, children strengthen problem solving, early math and science understanding, language, and confidence in a safe, nurturing environment.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and unique way of exploring the world.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

Art is one of the most powerful ways young children learn. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K learners paint, sculpt, draw, design, and get messy with materials, they are not just making art. They are building creativity, imagination, fine motor skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for school readiness. Every splash of paint and twist of clay gives children a chance to make choices, solve problems, express emotions, and communicate ideas in their own unique way.

Play based art invites children to experiment freely without worrying about right or wrong. They try new tools, test different textures, mix colors, take risks, and follow their curiosity. Along the way, they develop language, coordination, focus, and a growing sense of identity as they proudly create something that is truly their own.

The activities below turn creative play into joyful learning, nurturing the whole child while celebrating imagination, independence, and self expression.

3D Art Sculpture

Create a Styrofoam-Based Sculpture

You can introduce this activity to your child by reminding them of sculptures they may have seen in their community. Give your child a piece of Styrofoam to use as the base of the sculpture. Show your child all the different materials they can use to build their sculpture. Encourage your child to share their ideas about how they will create their sculpture. As your child tests their ideas, encourage your child to share what they have discovered with you.

Steps

Remind your child of sculptures they have seen in the community.

Provide a Styrofoam base.

Offer a variety of materials to attach to the sculpture.

Encourage your child to discuss their design ideas.

Ask them to share discoveries as they experiment.

Materials

Construction paper strips, glue, tape, staples, pipe cleaners, Styrofoam, paper, pencils, markers, pom-poms, beads, assorted household materials

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Provide fewer, easier-to-use materials such as pipe cleaners and Styrofoam only.

Three-year-olds — Ask your child to name the colors they used in the sculpture.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Challenge your child to draw a picture of their sculpture when finished.

Skills Supported

Aesthetic appreciation, creativity, fine motor skills, tool usage

Book Making — Make It. Write It. Read It.

Children Create Their Own Books

A variety of books can be made, including peek-a-boo books, pop-up books, shape books, accordion books, and flip books. Provide examples of differently constructed books. Explain tools and techniques. Encourage your child to draw pictures on each page. Have your child dictate their thoughts about the picture and write as much as they can under each illustration. Remember that picture-only books are still stories.

Steps

Show examples of different book types.

Explain tools and construction methods.

Invite your child to draw pictures on each page.

Encourage dictation and write under illustrations.

Reinforce that picture-only books are still stories.

Materials

Colored paper, markers, scissors, glue

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Provide a blank book that has been pre-constructed and allow children to finish it.

Three-year-olds — Encourage choosing the book style and labeling characters.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Encourage creating personalized themes and shapes.

Skills Supported

Language development, fine motor skills, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation

Bubble Wrap Painting (Artwork with a POP)

Create Printed Artwork from Bubble Wrap

Spread bubble wrap out and add washable paint. Allow your child to paint the bubble wrap, then place a sheet of paper on top to create a print.

Steps

Place bubble wrap on the table.

Add washable paint and let your child paint directly on it.

Press a sheet of paper on top to create a print.

Lift slowly to reveal the artwork.

Materials

Bubble wrap, paint, paper, paintbrush

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Explore textures and compare bubble wrap to traditional bubbles.

Three-year-olds — Use different bubble wrap sizes and compare popping sounds.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Cut bubble wrap into shapes and stamp repeated patterns.

Skills Supported

Fine motor skills, creativity, sensory discovery

Jackson Pollock Painting — Paint, Brush, Action!

Action-Style Canvas Painting

Allow children to dip paint brushes into paint and splash it onto paper or canvas. Encourage full-body movement while painting.

Steps

Dip paintbrushes into paint.

Splash or drip paint onto the paper or canvas.

Encourage movement while painting.

Talk about the artwork afterward.

Materials

Paint, paintbrushes, paper or canvas

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Explore colors and practice dripping paint.

Three-year-olds — Pick colors and narrate what their painting means.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Watch a short video about Pollock and describe artwork using descriptive or feeling words.

Skills Supported

Understanding art styles, motor control, emotional expression, creativity

Picasso Self-Portrait — Express Yourself!

Abstract Self-Portrait Inspired by Picasso

Make self-portraits using magazine cutouts, printed photos, or painting. Encourage children to explore silliness, color, perspective, and facial shapes.

Steps

Provide magazines, printed photos, or painting supplies.

Invite your child to create a self-portrait abstractly.

Encourage exploration of colors, shapes, and facial features.

Display artwork and talk about what makes it unique.

Materials

Paper, magazines, printed photos, glue, scissors

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Use pre-cut images and introduce the idea of abstract art.

Three-year-olds — Draw themselves, cut the drawing, and reassemble in an abstract style.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Watch a clip about Picasso and paint an abstract self-portrait while looking in a mirror.

Skills Supported

Art appreciation, vocabulary building, identifying feelings, creativity, fine motor skills

Looking for more activities?

If your child enjoyed these art activities, there is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, create, experiment, problem-solve, read, build, and play.

Continue the fun and support early learning across every developmental area with science activities, math activities, literacy activities, cooking activities, and social emotional learning ideas.

→ Explore all the activities for kids recommended by our experts

Why Art Activities Matter for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Art in early childhood is more than a finished project. It is a powerful way for young children to explore ideas, express feelings, and build skills that support school readiness and lifelong learning. When children paint, draw, sculpt, collage, and experiment with materials, they are developing creativity, language, motor skills, and confidence in who they are.

• Art builds creativity, imagination, and self expression.
Open ended art experiences give children space to make choices, explore materials, and communicate ideas in their own way, which supports creative thinking and personal expression (NAEYC).

• Art supports fine motor development and early writing skills.
Grasping crayons, pencils, chalk, paintbrushes, scissors, and small materials strengthens the small muscles in the hands and fingers that children need for writing, buttoning, and other daily tasks (msu.edu).

• Art connects to cognitive, language, and thinking skills.
Talking about their artwork, planning designs, solving problems with materials, and telling the stories behind their creations build vocabulary, visual and verbal literacy, and higher level thinking (Common Play).

• Art nurtures social emotional development, confidence, and self regulation.
Art gives children a safe way to explore feelings, make choices, persist with challenges, and feel proud of their work, which supports emotional resilience and a positive sense of self (NAEYC).

What This Means for Families

Simple materials like paper, crayons, recycled boxes, magazines, glue, and paint can open up a world of creativity. When children cut, glue, scribble, stamp, paint, or build, they are doing much more than keeping busy. They are practicing focus, problem solving, and self expression.

Art time is also a natural opportunity for conversation. Asking questions like “Tell me about your picture,” “What did you notice while you were painting,” or “How did you decide to use those colors” helps children build language, confidence, and pride in their own ideas. There is no right or wrong way to create art. The process matters more than the product.

With simple, regular art experiences, families can support:

✔ creativity and imagination
✔ fine motor and early writing skills
✔ language, storytelling, and thinking skills
✔ emotional expression, confidence, and self regulation

Every time a child experiments with color, shape, texture, or design, they are learning more about themselves and the world.

Daily Creativity and Artful Learning with Cadence Education

At Cadence Education, art is an essential part of how children learn and grow. Our classrooms give children time and space to paint, draw, build, explore textures, and create original works that reflect their ideas and feelings. Through these art experiences, children build confidence, fine motor skills, language, and imagination in a setting where creativity is celebrated.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and unique creative voice.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

Literacy in early childhood is not only about letters and words. It begins long before children learn to read and grows through conversation, storytelling, listening, drawing, dramatic play, and exposure to books. When preschoolers express ideas, retell stories, sing rhymes, notice letters, and talk about their experiences, they are building the foundation for confident future readers and communicators.

These playful experiences make language meaningful in everyday life and help children develop vocabulary, listening comprehension, sequencing, early phonics awareness, and confidence in self-expression.

Below are simple literacy and language activities that turn daily moments into rich learning opportunities.

All About Me Book

This keepsake book lets children celebrate who they are by sharing their favorite things, family members, dreams, and personality. It encourages vocabulary and self-expression while helping children understand that books can tell their own unique story.

Steps

Create pages reflecting different themes (family, favorites, hobbies, feelings).

Invite your child to draw or add photos to each page.

Ask questions to spark language (What do you like? Who do you love? What makes you happy?).

Read the finished book together and celebrate their individuality.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Color pages with support and add family photos.

Three-year-olds — Select topics for each page and label favorite things.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Generate sentences to accompany illustrations.

Skills Supported

Book awareness, vocabulary, self-identity, fine motor development

Read-Aloud & Illustration Activity

Drawing after story time encourages deep listening and comprehension as children transform what they heard into visual memory. Using artwork to retell the story strengthens vocabulary, sequencing, and expressive language.

Steps

Read a story aloud.

Invite your child to pick a part of the story to draw.

Support them in labeling characters, events, or places.

Ask them to explain their drawing and retell the story in their own words.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Draw one part of the story (a character, event, favorite page).

Three-year-olds — Retell the story using the drawing as a visual reference.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Sequence the story beginning–middle–end in illustrations.

Skills Supported

Listening comprehension, story recall, sequencing, vocabulary development

Storytelling Activity: Storytime and Me

This activity turns children into storytellers. When an adult writes a child’s spoken story and the child illustrates it, they learn that their words have power and can become a written book others can read.

Steps

Invite your child to tell an imaginative story.

Write their words down exactly as spoken.

Create pages and let your child illustrate each part of the story.

Read the completed story together and display it proudly.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Tell a simple story using pictures or stuffed animals.

Three-year-olds — Add multiple characters and details about setting.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Create a full story arc with a beginning, middle, and end.

Skills Supported

Oral storytelling, expressive language, sequencing, comprehension, creativity

Sound It Out

Exploring letter sounds helps children make the powerful connection between written letters and spoken language. Playful phonics activities make early reading feel natural and enjoyable.

Steps

Sing or listen to songs that highlight letter sounds.

Match letters to objects that begin with the same sound.

Say each sound slowly and invite children to blend it into a word.

Encourage experimenting with new sounds, not perfection.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Sing alphabet songs and identify the first letter of their name.

Three-year-olds — Practice letter sounds using objects that start with the same sound.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Build simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words by segmenting and blending sounds.

Skills Supported

Phonemic awareness, letter-sound correspondence, vocabulary, early spelling

Messy Spelling Activity: Shaving Cream Spelling

This sensory-rich literacy activity turns early writing into play. Forming letters and simple words in shaving cream builds hand strength and confidence while making spelling fun and pressure-free.

Steps

Spread shaving cream across a table or tray.

Use fingers to form letters or short words.

Say each letter or word aloud while writing.

Smooth the foam and start again for repeated practice.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Form the first letter of their name using a model.

Three-year-olds — Write all letters of their first name independently using a model to reference.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Spell first and last name independently and write simple words.

Skills Supported

Fine motor strength, vocabulary development, handwriting preparation, sensory processing

Looking for more activities?

There is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, build, create, experiment, and express themselves across every developmental area.

→ Explore more activities and learning tools for kids.

Why Early Literacy Matters for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Early literacy lays the foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning. Long before children learn to read, they develop literacy through conversation, storytelling, listening, singing, dramatic play, drawing, and exposure to books. When young children express ideas, retell stories, listen to read-alouds, and talk about their experiences, they build the skills needed to become confident readers and communicators.

• Early literacy builds vocabulary and expressive language.
Children who are regularly engaged in rich conversations and exposure to language develop stronger vocabulary and language skills in preschool and beyond (NAEYC).

• Storytelling and read-aloud experiences strengthen comprehension and sequencing.
Listening to and retelling stories helps children organize information, recall events, understand cause and effect, and make meaning from text (Reading Rockets).

• Phonological and letter sound awareness support future reading development.
Playful exposure to rhymes, songs, letter sounds, and sound blending builds the decoding foundation needed for learning to read (National Institute for Literacy).

• Early literacy supports confidence, communication, and school readiness.
Children who have positive early literacy experiences feel more comfortable expressing ideas, asking questions, solving problems, and engaging in learning and social interactions (CDC).

How Can Families Incorporate Literacy Activities In Everyday Life?

Families do not need flashcards or worksheets to support early literacy. Young children develop strong language and reading foundations through everyday interactions that feel warm, natural, and connected. Talking during daily routines, sharing stories at bedtime, noticing print on signs, singing songs in the car, and drawing together all build literacy skills in ways that feel fun.

When these experiences are consistent, children become confident communicators. They learn to express ideas, remember story events, ask questions, sequence information, and explore the sounds and shapes of language. These habits prepare children not only for reading, but also for self advocacy, social connection, and academic success.

With simple daily routines, families can help children build:

✔ vocabulary and language skills
✔ listening comprehension and story recall
✔ sequencing and memory
✔ phonemic and letter sound awareness
✔ confidence in communication and self expression

Every playful moment that involves speaking, listening, storytelling, drawing, singing, reading, or noticing print supports a growing reader.

Daily Literacy and Language Rich Learning with Cadence Education

Language and literacy come to life every day at Cadence Education. Our classrooms invite children to talk, listen, read, write, act out stories, share ideas, and explore books so they develop the confidence and curiosity that create lifelong learners. We support early literacy through warm relationships, rich conversations, and playful experiences because children learn best when language feels meaningful and joyful.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

Math in early childhood is about much more than numbers — it is about thinking. When preschoolers compare sizes, count objects, identify shapes, predict patterns, and solve simple problems, they are building the foundation for reasoning, decision-making, and everyday problem-solving.

These hands-on activities help children make meaningful connections by exploring math concepts through play. Instead of worksheets, children measure, build, sort, count, and experiment using familiar objects — making math fun, practical, and confidence-boosting.

Below are playful math activities that support school readiness using simple materials at home.

Solving Math Problems with Pictures

Picture-based problem solving helps children understand how numbers apply to real life. When children analyze photos, books, or visual math prompts, they learn to count items, compare quantities, and describe simple addition or subtraction using their own words.

Steps

Choose a picture with objects or people that can be counted.

Ask your child what they notice and what they can count.

Create a simple math question from the picture.

Support your child in describing the solution out loud.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Read math-related picture books like Ten Black Dots or Fish Eyes. Count people in family photos using fingers; identify tallest/shortest.

Three-year-olds — Create simple math problems using products in a catalog (e.g., “5 bananas + 2 pineapples = how many fruits?”).

Four-/Five-year-olds — Use books like The Grapes of Math; create equations from pictures (e.g., “10 family members in this picture, 4 in that one — how many missing?”) and say the completed equation.

Skills Supported

Pictorial math interpretation, counting, addition/subtraction, numerical equations, understanding size

Compare Size & Weight

This activity introduces hands-on measurement by inviting children to compare the size and weight of everyday objects. Children learn math vocabulary and early science skills by exploring what is “bigger,” “smaller,” “heavier,” and “lighter.”

Steps

Gather household objects of different sizes and weights.

Predict which objects are heavy/light or big/small.

Test predictions using hands or simple tools like spoons, cups, or scales.

Talk about similarities and differences based on observations.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Use measuring cups and spoons in sand or water to explore “full” vs. “empty,” and pour liquid between tall and short containers.

Three-year-olds — Compare objects on a scale, measure outlines, and observe evaporation outdoors.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Compare mass with popcorn seeds vs. popped popcorn and conduct scavenger hunts for weighing.

Skills Supported

Critical thinking, early science and math skills, sensory exploration

Counting Made Fun

Counting becomes meaningful when children apply it to the world around them. This activity builds early numeracy by pairing counting with movement, patterns, and everyday routines.

Steps

Choose an activity that involves counting (steps, cars, toys, calendar days, game spaces).

Count aloud together using fingers or objects.

Continue repeating the sequence with turn-taking.

Extend learning with skip counting, ordinal numbers, or board games when ready.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Count steps on a walk; take turns saying the next number to introduce skip counting.

Three-year-olds — Count cars by twos on a walk (2, 4, 6…).

Four-/Five-year-olds — Use a calendar to count days with ordinal numbers, then play a board game and count spaces.

Skills Supported

Counting, skip counting, ordinal numbers

Let’s Do Dominoes: The Domino Effect

Dominoes build strong mathematical thinking as children count dots, make patterns, match numbers, and experiment with the physical science of falling dominoes. This activity supports both early math and problem-solving through play.

Steps

Count dots on dominoes and name each number.

Sort dominoes by color or number.

Line dominoes up standing in a row.

Tap the first domino and watch the full chain fall.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Count dots 1–10; match colored dominoes; watch a short row fall.

Three-year-olds — Count 1–15; line dominoes up and observe the domino effect; match numbers and colors.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Count 1–20; use all dominoes to design a long pattern; coordinate colors and count time until the full chain falls.

Skills Supported

Fine motor skills, math manipulation, color recognition, cause & effect, cooperation and patience

Looking for more activities?

There is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, create, investigate, experiment, and problem-solve across every developmental area — including literacy, art, science, cooking, social-emotional learning, and motor development.

→ Explore the full guide to preschool learning activities

Why Early Math Matters for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Early math learning lays the foundation for school readiness, problem solving, and long term academic success. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K children explore math through play instead of worksheets, they build strong number sense, spatial awareness, and logical thinking, along with the confidence to solve problems independently.

• Early math is one of the strongest predictors of later academic success.
A major longitudinal analysis found that children with strong early math skills are more likely to excel academically in elementary school and beyond across multiple subjects (Science Direct).

• Even toddlers benefit from everyday mathematical thinking.
The NAEYC and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics confirm that children under age 3 gain measurable benefits from early math interactions, including comparing objects, identifying shapes, and exploring patterns (NAEYC).

• Math develops problem solving and reasoning, not just number memorization.
Activities that involve measuring, sorting, classifying, predicting patterns, and comparing amounts build early executive function skills and cognitive flexibility that transfer to all learning areas (Harvard)

• A positive relationship with math in preschool builds long term confidence.
Preschoolers who experience math through play develop a growth mindset around learning, which supports later success in STEM and reduces anxiety about math (MDRC).

• Early math can reduce achievement gaps before kindergarten.
Research shows that play based early math instruction supports children who might otherwise begin kindergarten behind, helping narrow school readiness gaps (Eric.Ed.Gov)

Making Math Part Of Everyday Family Life

Young children learn best when math is part of everyday play and routines. Counting steps on a walk, sorting toys by color or size, matching socks during laundry, measuring ingredients while cooking, or spotting patterns in books and games all help children understand how math works in real life.

When math feels fun and familiar, children approach learning with curiosity and confidence. They become comfortable making predictions, trying strategies, explaining their thinking, and solving problems independently. These habits support success in preschool, pre K, and kindergarten.

With simple everyday interactions, families can help children develop:

✔ number sense and early numeracy
✔ language for size, shapes, patterns, and quantities
✔ confidence and persistence during challenges
✔ a strong foundation for school readiness

Every playful moment that involves thinking, comparing, sorting, or counting supports a child’s growth as a confident problem solver.

Math Activities Daily with Cadence Education

When families choose Cadence Education, they choose a school that understands how early math skills shape confidence, curiosity, and school readiness. Our classrooms bring math to life through hands on play, problem solving, and real world exploration, helping children build a strong foundation for future learning.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

Motor development is one of the most important parts of early learning because children learn with their whole bodies. When toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K learners grasp tiny objects, pour water, paint, jump, climb, balance, and move through space, they are doing far more than burning energy. They are building strength, coordination, focus, body control, and confidence in what their bodies can do.

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers that children need for writing, drawing, using utensils, zipping and buttoning, cutting with scissors, building with blocks, and manipulating small objects. Gross motor skills involve the larger muscles used for running, hanging, climbing, throwing, hopping, balancing, and navigating the playground. Both are essential for school readiness, self help skills, and independence in daily routines.

When children move, explore materials, and practice using their bodies in new ways, they not only grow stronger physically but also develop focus, perseverance, problem solving, and pride in their accomplishments. The playful activities below support both fine and gross motor development using simple materials and hands on learning children love.

Fine Motor Skill Activities for Preschoolers

(Strengthening hands, coordination, and pre-writing skills)

Fine motor activities strengthen the small muscles in children’s hands, helping them grasp tools, write, draw, manipulate objects, and build independence in everyday tasks.

3D Art Sculpture

This hands-on building project strengthens hand muscles as children twist, attach, squeeze, and arrange materials to form their own sculpture. Creativity and problem-solving grow as they decide what to build and how to construct it.

Steps

Give your child a Styrofoam base.

Offer a variety of building materials.

Encourage designing and experimenting.

Ask them to describe what they created.

Materials

Construction paper strips, glue, tape, staples, pipe cleaners, Styrofoam, paper, pencils, markers, pom-poms, beads, assorted household materials

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Fewer, easier-to-use materials such as pipe cleaners and Styrofoam only.

Three-year-olds — Name the colors used in the sculpture.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Draw a picture of the finished sculpture.

Skills Supported

Aesthetic appreciation, creativity, fine motor development, tool usage

Book Making Activity: Make It. Write It. Read It.

Creating homemade books allows children to be authors and illustrators while practicing storytelling, drawing, and page turning — all of which strengthen fine-motor control and expressive language.

Steps

Provide examples of different book types.

Explain tools and construction methods.

Invite your child to draw pictures on each page.

Write their dictated ideas under the drawings.

Celebrate the finished book by reading it together.

Materials

Colored paper, markers, scissors, glue

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Provide a pre-constructed blank book for children to complete.

Three-year-olds — Choose a book style and label characters.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Create themed shapes and storylines independently.

Skills Supported

Language development, fine motor skills, critical thinking, appreciation of the arts

Creative Expressions Activity: Look What I Can Make

Drawing freely gives children the opportunity to express ideas, explore creativity, strengthen grip and hand muscles, and practice pre-writing strokes that support handwriting later on.

Steps

Offer drawing tools like crayons, pencils, or markers.

Encourage your child to draw freely.

Ask open-ended questions about the picture.

Display or save artwork to build confidence.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Draw from observation (mirror, window, photo) and talk about the picture.

Three-year-olds — Create basic designs and answer detailed questions about drawings.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Add details and tell stories using their artwork.

Skills Supported

Fine motor (drawing/painting), storytelling, answering questions, creativity

Marshmallow Painting

Painting with marshmallows encourages sensory exploration while strengthening finger and hand control. Stamping patterns and shapes helps children practice early symbol recognition in a playful way.

Steps

Dip marshmallows in paint.

Stamp onto paper to create images or patterns.

Count or describe the marks made.

Display artwork or use it during pretend play.

Materials

Marshmallows, paper, easel, paint

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Hold marshmallows with a spoon or fork; look at camping books/photos while painting.

Three-year-olds — Place marshmallows on sticks; count dots and tell a story about camping.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Paint letters, numbers, or imaginary maps for a pretend camping trip.

Skills Supported

Fine motor strength, sensory exploration, number recognition, storytelling

Messy Spelling Activity: Shaving Cream Spelling

Writing letters in shaving cream builds sensory awareness, strengthens finger muscles, and makes spelling feel fun and pressure-free.

Steps

Spread shaving cream across a flat surface.

Form letters or words with fingers.

Say each letter or word out loud.

Smooth the shaving cream to start again.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Form the first letter of their name.

Three-year-olds — Practice writing all letters of their name using a model to reference.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Spell first name independently, then last name when ready.

Skills Supported

Language and vocabulary, fine motor development, sensory learning, handwriting preparation

Sorting 2D & 3D Objects by Shape

Sorting strengthens finger coordination and teaches children to examine shapes, sizes, and spatial characteristics closely — an early foundation for math and problem-solving.

Steps

Gather 2D and 3D objects.

Sort into baskets or piles by shape.

Name shapes and compare similarities.

Hunt for new household items that fit each category.

Materials

2D & 3D objects, baskets or boxes

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Sort 2–3 shapes using picture labels on baskets.

Three-year-olds — Sort 4–5 shapes using picture + word labels.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Sort 5–7 shapes and find additional items around the home.

Skills Supported

Shape recognition, size comparison, orientation awareness, fine motor coordination

Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers

(Movement, balance, strength, and coordination)

Gross motor play strengthens the whole body, helping children build balance, strength, coordination, spatial awareness, confidence, and self-regulation.

Gymnastic Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses help children crawl, jump, spin, climb, and balance while following a sequence. Designing and completing the course builds physical strength as well as problem-solving and self-confidence.

Steps

Set up stations for crawling, weaving, climbing, and jumping.

Demonstrate or walk through the course together.

Run through the course at a comfortable pace.

Celebrate finishing and repeat if desired.

Materials

Chalk, chairs, pop-up tunnel, household items

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Demonstrate the course first; play with a familiar song like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.

Three-year-olds — Have children describe what they want in the course and help design it.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Children build the full course themselves and race with an adult.

Skills Supported

Crawling, running, spinning, coordination, STEM (structure design), confidence

Practice Your Balance: Balancing to Music

Music paired with movement improves balance, rhythm, and concentration. Walking along a taped line while responding to tempo changes helps children control their bodies and move safely in space.

Steps

Set up a balance beam or tape line.

Play music and walk along the line.

Match movements to slow and fast tempos.

Try balancing on one foot or turning while staying on the line.

Materials

Music source, balance beam or taped/chalked straight line

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Hold a hand, wall, or shelf while balancing.

Three-year-olds — March or step to match fast/slow tempos without holding support.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Create their own taped beam (zig-zag, shapes, jumps, letters) and balance using different call-outs (one foot, jump, turn).

Skills Supported

Balance, coordination, motor control, listening, rhythm

Musical Freeze Shapes: Stop When I Say Freeze

Combining energetic play with academic recognition helps children strengthen impulse control, memory, and physical motor planning as they freeze on shapes, numbers, or letters.

Steps

Draw shapes, numbers, or letters on the sidewalk.

Move between drawings while music plays.

Freeze when the music stops.

Identify the shape, number, or letter you landed on.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Jump from shape to shape while naming shapes/colors.

Three-year-olds — Move in different ways and freeze on a drawing to identify it.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Include more advanced shapes like pyramids or cubes and larger numbers.

Skills Supported

Gross motor development, balance, number/letter/shape recognition, following multistep directions

Royalty Hopscotch: Let’s Get Hopping

A fairy-tale-themed hopscotch game adds pretend play to physical learning, motivating children to move longer while strengthening balance, coordination, and counting.

Steps

Draw themed hopscotch squares like tiara, castle, or music notes.

Toss a pebble and hop through the sequence.

Count squares and cheer for progress.

Switch roles and take turns.

Materials

Sidewalk chalk

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Use numbers 1–5 or a few shapes; assist counting and hopping.

Three-year-olds — Children draw the hopscotch themselves and test different jumping styles.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Add more squares or turn the hopscotch into a full obstacle course.

Skills Supported

Jumping, hopping, counting, creativity, imagination, fine motor (chalk control), hand-eye coordination

Looking for more activities?

There is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, build, create, problem-solve, and express themselves across every developmental area.

→ Explore more activities for kids.

Why Motor Development Matters for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Motor development plays a powerful role in school readiness and lifelong learning. When young children build strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness through movement and hands on play, they gain confidence in their abilities and the independence needed for everyday tasks.

• Strong fine motor skills prepare children for writing, drawing, using tools, self care, and academic tasks.
Activities that strengthen the small muscles of the hands and fingers support handwriting, using utensils, zipping and buttoning, drawing, cutting, and manipulating objects (Continued.com)

• Gross motor development supports physical health, stamina, and emotional regulation.
Running, balancing, climbing, and jumping help children build strength and core stability while also improving body control, spatial awareness, and self regulation (Oregon State).

• Motor development connects directly to cognitive and language growth.
Research shows that physical play supports planning, sequencing, focus, memory, and expressive vocabulary as children talk about what they are doing, solve challenges, and learn new skills through movement (nih.gov)

• Confidence in the body builds confidence in learning.
When children feel capable physically, they are more willing to try new challenges, take safe risks, make decisions, and approach learning with a growth mindset (Oregon State).

How Can Families Incorporate Motor Skills in Everyday Life?

Everyday play activities like climbing at the playground, drawing with crayons, scooping sand, threading beads, dancing to music, and hopping between pillows help children build strength and coordination while having fun.

Movement based play encourages children to focus, follow directions, problem solve, and express emotions in healthy ways. Children begin to understand what their bodies can do and take pride in learning new skills.

With simple daily routines, families can support:

✔ strength and muscle control
✔ focus and persistence during tasks
✔ independence in self care and school routines
✔ confidence in both physical and academic learning

Every playful moment that involves moving, grasping, jumping, lifting, balancing, climbing, or creating supports a child’s development across multiple learning areas.

Daily Movement and Learning with Cadence Education

Movement is a core part of learning at Cadence Education. Our classrooms and playgrounds give children space to climb, build, paint, run, create, and explore so they can grow strong bodies, strong minds, and strong confidence. We support motor development through hands on play because children learn best when they can move, experiment, and use their whole body.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour

Cooking is one of childhood’s greatest adventures. In the kitchen, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre K learners get to scoop, pour, mix, taste, and make a joyful mess while discovering how things change, smell, feel, and look. Every step becomes a learning moment. Measuring flour feels like math. Watching butter melt feels like science. Stirring batter feels like a sensory celebration. And sharing a snack feels like belonging.

Children love cooking because it feels real. They get to help, experiment, problem solve, and take pride in creating something the whole family can enjoy. Along the way, they build language, early reading skills, fine motor strength, confidence, and independence without even realizing they are learning.

The activities below turn everyday kitchen moments into memory making, confidence building, hands on learning that children will want to return to again and again.

Delicious New Snack Idea: Ants Go Marching

Turn snack time into a fun learning moment by turning celery sticks into “Ants on a Log” while singing “Ants Go Marching.” This playful food activity encourages counting, sequencing, and independence while adding a musical twist children love.

Steps

Wash and cut celery (grown-up help as needed).

Fill celery with spread.

Add raisins to create “ants.”

Sing “Ants Go Marching” while preparing and eating the snack.

Materials

Celery, spread of your choice (sun butter, peanut butter, or hummus), raisins

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Wash and prep celery; apply spread and add raisins.

Three-year-olds — Apply spread independently while singing and count raisins.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Wash, cut, spread, and count raisins; track how many raisins remain after each bite.

Skills Supported

Concentration, fine motor skills, independence, following sequential steps

Scream for Ice Cream: Ice Cream in a Bag

With just a few ingredients, kids can make their own ice cream by shaking a bag full of ice and salt. This activity feels like a magic trick to preschoolers and gives them hands-on experience with measurement, temperature, and cause and effect.

Steps

Add ingredients to a small bag.

Place the small bag inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt.

Shake until the mixture becomes ice cream.

Open and enjoy.

Materials

Half and half, sugar, vanilla, ice, kosher salt, plastic Ziploc bags

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Pre-measure ingredients and help pour; wear gloves while shaking cold bags.

Three-year-olds — Help measure ingredients and predict what will happen when shaking.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Read and follow the directions independently; serve the finished treat to the family.

Skills Supported

Science exploration, sensory (hot/cold), vocabulary building, early math and measurement

Conduct Cooking Experiments with Assistance (Full Kitchen Activity)

When children cook in the kitchen, they aren’t just making food — they are exploring science, culture, sensory learning, and independence. From textures and smells to measuring and mixing, this activity allows children to experiment, problem-solve, and connect to meaningful family traditions.

Steps

Choose a kid-friendly recipe.

Smell, touch, and mix ingredients.

Compare textures before and after cooking.

Taste and discuss what changed.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Smell, taste, and mix ingredients; use cooking tools; explore recipe books with photos.

Three-year-olds — Follow a recipe and talk about family food traditions and diversity.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Shop for ingredients, measure independently, and explore cultural foods through videos or books.

Skills Supported

Language development, critical thinking, sensory learning, mathematics, cultural understanding, bonding

Find That Fruit!

Matching colorful fruits gives children a playful way to learn about shapes, colors, and healthy foods. This hands-on sorting activity builds early math and language skills and encourages conversations about foods your family enjoys.

Steps

Present fruit shapes or pictures.

Match fruits by shape and color.

Talk about fruit names and characteristics.

Turn it into a puzzle or memory game.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Match fruits with one-on-one support; promote language by naming fruit shapes and colors.

Three-year-olds — Complete puzzles with sharing and turn-taking.

Four-/Five-year-olds — Color and cut out printable fruit shapes and attach Velcro dots to create a reusable matching board.

Skills Supported

Language and literacy, color and shape recognition, fine motor development

Recreate a Family Vacation (Food & Culture Variation)

Family memories and food go hand in hand. In this activity, children recreate a special snack or recipe connected to a family trip, celebration, or tradition — strengthening cultural identity, belonging, and family connection through shared cooking experiences.

Steps

Look at photos or remember a favorite family trip or gathering.

Choose a food related to that memory.

Prepare the recipe together.

Share stories while eating.

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Two-year-olds — Look at photos or souvenirs and name familiar people and events.

Three-year-olds — Recreate a food or tradition from a past trip (cookies, favorite treat, etc.).

Four-/Five-year-olds — Draw or describe a favorite family trip or one planned for the future.

Skills Supported

Cultural identity, self-image, belonging, memory recall, fine motor skills

Looking for more activities?

If your child enjoyed these cooking activities, there is so much more to explore. Children learn best when they can move, create, investigate, and problem-solve across every developmental area.

Explore more preschool learning activities including art, math, literacy, science, social emotional learning, and fine and gross motor play.

→ Explore even more play-based learning activities for kids

Why Cooking Activities Matter for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre K Learners

Cooking is one of the most powerful forms of hands on learning in early childhood. When young children mix, measure, scoop, pour, taste, and follow steps, they build confidence and independence while learning skills that support school readiness, daily life, and family connection.

• Cooking strengthens early math and science thinking.
Measuring ingredients, predicting what will happen during mixing or heating, and comparing sizes and quantities build early numeracy and scientific thinking (NAEYC).

• Cooking supports language development and literacy.
Talking about recipes, naming ingredients, sequencing steps, and retelling what happened during cooking builds vocabulary, expressive language, and comprehension (University of Nevada).

• Cooking enhances sensory learning and fine motor development.
Scooping, squeezing, stirring, pouring, and kneading strengthen hand muscles, hand eye coordination, and sensory processing while helping children feel calm and focused (nih.gov).

• Cooking builds independence, cultural identity, and confidence.
Participating in family food routines helps children feel capable and included while learning about family traditions, cultural foods, and belonging (NAEYC).

What This Means For Families

Children benefit every time they help wash vegetables, stir a bowl, press cookie cutters, pour ingredients, or talk about what is cooking in the kitchen. Even small responsibilities help them build independence and pride.

Food based activities naturally spark conversation and curiosity. Children learn new vocabulary, ask questions, make predictions, compare textures, count ingredients, and express their preferences. Cooking also creates meaningful moments of connection where children feel seen, valued, and included.

With simple daily routines, families can support:

✔ early math and science skills
✔ vocabulary and conversational language
✔ sensory awareness and fine motor development
✔ independence, pride, and belonging

Every playful cooking moment that involves touching, tasting, counting, pouring, or storytelling supports learning across multiple developmental areas.

Daily Play-based Learning with Cadence Education

At Cadence Education, children learn through real experiences that matter to them. Cooking and food based play are woven into the classroom to spark curiosity, build independence, strengthen language and math skills, and help children take pride in what they create. We believe learning should feel meaningful, hands on, and joyful.

We would love to meet your family and learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style.

→ Find a Cadence school near you and schedule a tour