How do i keep 7 preschoolers entertained?

Question

this weekend i am in charge of 7 preschoolers ages 2 thru 5. I need to keep them entertained for 3 hours. I am pretty set on crafts but i need to activities to keep them busy. I think it is going to rain this weekend so nothing outside is going to work... ive already thought about simon says and follow the leader. Any other ideas ? also this is a church event so any games that a christian related are good, but they can be just regular games and activities too !

Answer 1

play some kids music and have them dance around to it, sing songs, play movie like Veggie Tales it is a christian bast cartoon or Bible Man my kids love those 2

Answer 2

pass the parcel

musical statues

just do party games they will enjoy it as i work at a 1-10 daycare/preschool i should know.

Answer 3

Drawing

Painting

Clay

Reading stories

Dancing

Singing

Music/movement games (eg. the hokey pokey, dingle dangle scarecrow)

Dress ups

Origami for the older ones ( www.activityvillage.co.uk has some good origami instructions with step by step photos)

Make paper aeroplanes

Have fun! :)

Answer 4

read a funny short book

sock puppets

games

playing house

playing

Answer 5

sock puppets

reading a book-colorful

acting out 3 little pigs

Answer 6

If you're willing to spend a little bit of money, there are great fishing sets. We got a set at a local Big Lots that was "Fisher's of Men."

As others have said, sock puppets are always wonderful. Perhaps you can have them each make their own sock puppet and then put on a small production. So you get the crafts in and then they can use what they make.

Also keep in mind, Mother's Day is coming up. This would be the perfect opportunity to make something nice for mom!

Answer 7

a couple of big empty boxes.

Answer 8

the games for preschoolers should always be an all play then a listening activity with an all play again.  Games that have no winners but the game changes sides of teams -

are you eating

look at your 3 hrs and break it down in to 15 minute blocks

first 15 minutes everyone is still arriving - have something that they do quietly while you meet and greet the others BOOKS

Next - 15 minutes or so circle time for introduction and a clear review of the house rules and who is in charge.  Make sure that every child can say that you are the boss.  This will help a lot - have a clear plan for unacceptable behavior - and make sure they know it.

next 15 minutes all play game (Simon - dancing - being animals)

next 15 minutes sit down activity (coloring - puzzles - Lego's

alternate

for food 15 minutes to ready wash up - toys away

15 minutes let them help set table

15 - 30 eat - and socialize after is reading time as you as the story teller (potty time will happen during this time)

review the rules and the plan for the last 45 minutes

high activity game if still getting along - low activity if you are struggling - this should help seem like that 3 hours will go faster - good christen DVD for 30 minutes if really desperate

Answer 9

Dora the Explorer or other characters videos-they work great. My 3year old step daughter loves Dora-she will watch it over and over and sit quietly. Also, you can try coloring.

Also here is a site that may help.