This post was contributed by Dyan of And Next Comes L.
Preschool Kids Color Matching with a Sticky Apple Tree Activity!
On my most recent trip to Michael’s, I picked up a bag of fall acrylic fillers that contained red and green apples, as well as yellow and green leaves. (Psst… If you don’t have a Michael’s Store nearby, you could also use these Red and Green Apple Post Its!) They look fantastic on the light box, which is what I originally purchased them for, but I wanted to see what else I could do with them. I figured that they would adhere well to some contact paper (and I love using contact paper as you can see here, here, and here). So I came up with this color matching apple tree activity for my toddler and preschool kids. It turned out to be a huge success with both boys wanting to do it over and over. I love when things turn out as good as (or better than) I hope!
A Color Matching (Sticky) Apple Tree Activity
Using colored permanent markers, I drew an outline of a tree on the non-sticky side of the contact paper. I then drew dots throughout the tree to match the colors of the apples. I made two though, one for J and one for K, so that I could avoid any fighting over the apple tree activity. Yes, they do fight. Mostly because K is an instigator. Not that I’m pointing any fingers or anything…
Anyway, I taped the contact paper, with sticky side up, to the mirrored doors in our dining room, placing a basket of the apples on the floor as well.
I love how toddler and preschool kids just naturally figure out how to do something all on their own, especially when they do it just as I had planned. In other words, they correctly matched the apples with the corresponding colored dots on the sticky tree.
The boys spent literally thirty to 45 uninterrupted minutes putting apples on the tree, then removing them. They started off playing side by side…
Then they started to work on the apple tree activity together, which, as a mother, is awesome to watch. And they have been doing a lot of cooperative playing lately so that makes me happy.
That’s it! A simple color matching apple tree activity for toddler and preschool kids that’s perfect for fall. Do you think your kids would like it? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
More Apple Activities from B-Inspired Mama:
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Monica says
What a great idea! Featuring at Family Fun Friday!
Monica
http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/category/family-fun
Jill says
I never thought to use contact paper on a mirrored door. We converted a set of mirror doors to a chalk board, but this will also work to utilize mirrored doors in other rooms of our house 🙂 Thank you for linking up this week to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop 🙂
Jen says
Hey, I bought the same set at Michaels! Have been using them a lot in Preschool. Now I wish I had bought the acorns I saw at Dollarama because now I can’t find them!
Linda says
Love ideas that are simple to make and implement and that kids can explore on their own! I can see this as pumpkins on a vine, face pieces on jack-o-lanterns, ornaments on a tree….thanks for sharing this idea!
Dyan says
The apples are made of acryclic and I purchased them at Michaels. Then the contact paper is what makes them “sticky.” Hope that helps!
Lauren says
So cute! What a great activity for Fall! Thank you for sharing at our Pinning for Play link party!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
You’re more than welcome! Love it. 🙂
Emily says
What did you use for the sticky apples?