Turning Wait Times Into Adventures
There’s nothing like waiting with a small child–whether you’re biding time in a waiting room, standing in line at the grocery store, or stuck in the carpool like at school. Waiting with a preschoolers could probably be an Olympic sport in patience. While these moments can feel as though they drag on for hours, with some brain prep-work, these transitional times can actually be a golden opportunity for fun, connection, and learning. With the right games in your distraction arsenal, “Are we there yet?” easily becomes “Can we play that again!?”
Transitions can be hard for everyone and waiting can just feel like one long transition. Implementing tools and helping children handle these times well is something we practice on a daily basis here at Chester Child Development Center. Schedule a tour and come see how our early childhood educators in action!
Here are some engaging, screen-free games you can play anywhere that support early childhood education and build essential developmental skills—all while keeping your little ones happily distracted. Some of these games are likely ones you’ve seen before, but with some extra preschooler-approved flare.
1. I Spy
This classic is an oldie, but a goodie and with preschoolers, it’s a chance to reinforce what they are already learning–colors, shapes, and beginning sounds. For example: “I spy with my little eye something that is round and blue” or “I spy something that starts with the letter C, or lastly, “I spy something that rhymes with the word bat.” This supports a range of subjects within early childhood education such as vocabulary development, phonemic awareness, and observation skills—all of which are key components of early literacy (Reading Rockets).
There is lots to spy here at Chester CDC! From our engaging and welcoming classrooms to our exciting outdoor areas, come for a tour and take a look!
2. Simon Says
No space? No problem! Simon Says can easily be modified for small spaces with gentle motions like clapping, rubbing your belly, making a silly face, or whispering. This helps to support children in multiple developmentally essential skills like practicing self-regulation, following directions, and boosting listening skills–all while fully occupying and challenging said children!
3. Counting All the Things 
Preschoolers love numbers—it’s often a new world for them, realizing that things can be counted and categorized. Waiting is a perfect time to connect and practice their new skill in a fun way! Count the ceiling tiles, red cars, buttons on your shirt, people wearing hats or even all of the things that a green! The NAEYC Math Learning encourages that early math exposure promotes cognitive development and school readiness–so it’s a win-win! Counting outside of a worksheet or /math time. also helps bring math to life and is the beginnings of understanding math in the world around them.
Should we count how many children can fit on our amazing merry-go-round as part of our outdoor play area here at Chester CDC? Or maybe we could count the number of different and engaging center stations available in the various classrooms? Call today to schedule a tour and see it all in person!
4. Would You Rather…? (Preschool Edition)
This game is an excellent way to foster conversation and connection as well as spark imagination. Toning it down for littles can be a super fun way to hear their thoughts and feelings, as well as share some giggles together. Questions like “Would you rather be a kangaroo or a turtle?” are sure to illicit some smiles. There are also plenty of lists available online if you need one in a pinch, such as this one: Best Would You Rather Questions for Kids – Empowered Parents This also encourages language development, decision making and also creativity!
5. Animal Charades
Bring out the silly sounds and gestures–pretend to be an animal and have your child guess what you are!
6. Story Building
Start a story and take turns building it into a creative masterpiece (or just a silly lark). “Once upon a time, there was a purple dinosaur who…” Let your preschooler’s imagination take off! The PDX Reading Specialists say that storytelling can enhance literacy skills, vocabulary and language skills, and even encourages active listeners, among other amazing benefits! Who knew that a little game to pass the time could be so beneficial?
Chester CDC would love to be a part of your family’s early childhood education story! Call today to see how we would be an excellent fit.
7. Name 3
This game can illicit some hilarious answers! Ask your child to name three of something—things that are round, items you find at the beach, foods that are cold, animals that fly, the list could go on and on… This encourages them to really think and categorize and pay attention.
Name three great things about Chester Child Development Center? Excited teachers, engaging lesson plans, excellent communication. Per the ‘game’ only three things could be named but call today or come by for a tour and explore the other amazing qualities of Chester CDC.
Every Moment is an Opportunity
These games aren’t just to fill time; they help build skills! According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, play is a key in effective early learning experiences (NAEYC on Play). Games don’t need a board, tons of rules, toys, or even need to take longer than 5 minutes and yet they can still pack a powerful punch of learning and fun! These seemingly meaningless games can hone focus, bolster language and observational skills, and build connection–and that’s just a handful of potential benefits!
Next time you find yourself waiting with a preschool-aged child draw from this list of playful tools to not just fill the time, but create a memory, sneak in a little learning, and, likely, have a good handful of laughs. It might only be for a few moments, but they will be moments that count.
We would love to hear about any favorite waiting games your family has! Come see us here at Chester Child Development Center and tell us all about them! There isn’t a moment to lose!