No Time For Flash Cards

preschool activities, preschool crafts, and preschool books.

  • Blog
  • About
    • Terms Of Use
    • Disclaimer
    • Holiday Gift Guide For Kids
    • Advertise
    • In The Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Bloglovin
  • Preschool Activities
  • crafts for kids
    Preschool Crafts
  • Preschool Books
  • sensory alphabet activity
    Letters & Numbers
  • For Teachers
  • Toddlers
  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary

November 14, 2017 | Leave a Comment

3 Simple Free Choice Activities made From Dollar Store Supplies!

preschool activitiesSo often I forget that ideas that I have used for years aren’t necessarily used everywhere and I forget to share some of the less flashy but useful activities.  Today I am sharing three simple free choice activities for preschool that you can re-create with supplies I got from Dollar Tree.

 

Yes, every single thing here I got at Dollar Tree … except for the scissors, they are from here (affiliate link) and are by FAR my favorite!

Fine Motor Color Matching Tray

clothes pin sorting

This activity works on color matching as well as fine motor skills. Using clothespins is a cheap way of working that into your classroom.

color matching with dollar tree supplies (4)

Gather your materials. You will need some sticky back foam in six colors, clothespins, scissors and a chip and dip divided tray.

color matching with dollar tree supplies (3)

Start by cutting out a triangle and four small rectangles from each color of foam.

Dollar Store preschool supplies fine motor color matching

Put the triangles in the divided sections of the tray ( I just set them in, I don’t stick them). Peel off the back of and pop the rectangle pieces on the clothespins.

color matching with dollar tree supplies (1)

Put the clothespins in the middle section and voila! I would probably only put two of each color in the tray for play and keep the extras on hand when the originals get lost.

Dollar Store preschool supplies fine motor color matching clothes pins

Pipe Cleaner & Crazy Straw Challenge

fine motor challenge

I call this a challenge because IT IS, do not give this to a child who is struggling with fine motor skills or hand-eye coordination, unless you want crazy straws thrown in frustration. This is for children who are in need of a challenge, and it’s so quick to pop together it’s perfect to grab for that child who does.

Dollar Store preschool supplies fine motor

Gather your materials. You will need a pack of crazy straws and pipe cleaners in matching colors, as well as some scissors.

color matching with dollar tree supplies (5)

Cut the pipe cleaner into thirds. It needs to be short enough not to bend when children push it into the straw.Twist one end into a ball that children can pinch without getting poked by the end of the wire.

Dollar Store preschool supplies

Arrange the straws on a cookie sheet ( yep, got that at the dollar store too) and invite your student ready for a challenge!

color matching with dollar tree supplies (6)

Holding on to the ball on the end push into the straw.

color matching with dollar tree supplies (8)

Silverware Sorting

silverware sorting

This was the activity that inspired this post, it’s an early childhood classroom classic, but as I have shared it in emails with readers, none have heard of it. So here goes.

 

Gather your materials; You will need a silverware tray, some silverware, and other kitchen items to fill the other spots. If you can find a silverware tray with only three slots that’s awesome, I had one in a class once, but the dollar store only had this one.

Place one of each item in the tray to begin. Place the rest in a separate container ( yep, that was just a buck too).

Start sorting!

silverware storing using dollar store forks

Keep it going! I love this activity because you can incorporate it so nicely into your housekeeping or dramatic play area.

silverware storing using dollar store

 

What is your FAVORITE dollar store item to use in your classroom?

 

Filed Under: Age Preschool, Fine Motor Activities, Free Choice Activities, Preschool Activities, Sorting | Leave a Comment

Like this post? Share it with a friend!

Become an Email Subscriber

Sign up above and receive all new No Time for Flashcards posts directly in your email inbox.

You may also like these posts

Next Post: Young Children and Grief ; What Preschool Teachers Need To Know
Previous Post: Roll & Feather – Turkey Math Game For Preschool

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Now In Paperback!

Buy NOW

Search For Activities

Become an Email Subscriber

Sign up above and receive all new No Time for Flash Cards posts directly in your email inbox.

All Activities

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Bloglovin

Copyright © 2008-2022 • No Time For Flash Cards - ACM Media LLC • Site Design by Emily White Designs