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Fun School Stuff for Preschool

by Katie Wallace | Updated: September 24, 2019

Preschool is a fun year to introduce kids to their colors, shapes, numbers and letters. I am homeschooling three kids and I think preschool is one of the more challenging years but also very rewarding. It’s challenging because preschool kids can’t read any of their own instructions and my 3-year-old typically requires constant guidance. However my preschool boy loves to learn and be included in our homeschool routine. To keep my son busy, I searched Amazon for engaging and creative preschool activities that would also get him excited about school.

Fun School Stuff for Preschool to get kids excited about learning

Scissor Skills Preschool Workbook for Kids

I also discovered this Scissors Skills Preschool Workbook which was another hit activity for both my 3-year-old and 4-year-old kids. Each page has lines to cut along, which progress in difficulty as you go through the book. My son had trouble cutting along a page with wavy lines at first, but after 3 rounds of practice his scissor cutting skills improved. Of course, I remind my kids that scissors are for only cutting paper when they have permission. This hands-on preschool workbook is a fun way for kids to practice intentionally cutting with scissors.

Scissor Skills Preschool Workbook for Kids

Ooly Monster Pencils

Learning how to write is even more fun with character pencils and erasers! These colorful monster themed school supplies are perfect for showing kids how to hold their pencil correctly, practice their letters and erase away any mistakes. Ooly makes all sorts of awesome school supplies to make learning fun!

Ooly Monster Pencils and Erasers kids school supplies

ALEX Discover Button Art Activity Set

This Alex Discover Button Art Activity Set caught my eye because the directions are simple. Kids place the large colorful buttons into the corresponding holes on each art activity card to create designs. My son immediately took an interest in this button art activity set. He tried out several of the cards and quickly caught on to the color guides that each card provides to arrange the buttons. To my surprise, my 3-year-old showed a surprising desire to complete the activity the correct way. A few times he dropped a button underneath his desk and he was determined to search for the correct color rather than putting any color into the hole. This activity encourages kids to develop motor skills, arrange colors according to the instructions and persevere to finish the activity. I appreciate that this kit comes in a storage box which fits all the colorful buttons and activity cards inside.

ALEX Discover Button Art Activity Set for Preschool

Preschool Taste Test

Snack time is a favorite part of our homeschool day. I try to provide my kids with a selection of snacks to choose from. Occasionally we have a snack time taste test, which can also double as lunch. A taste test introduces kids to the sense of taste and the different flavors our tongues can identify. This kids taste test is a fun way to sample foods that are sweet, salty, spicy, sour and bitter. We often talk about the different areas of the tongue that can taste each flavor. A taste test also encourages kids to try new foods they may not otherwise be willing to try.

To set up a taste test, all you need is a small divided container and an assortment of different foods and snacks. This square silicone baking tray is great for a kids’ taste test because it’s small, easily washable and has 9 squares to hold different foods. Once my kids receive their trays, we talk about which foods are sweet, salty, spicy, sour and bitter. A taste test is a fun way to turn snack time or lunch into an educational activity!

Preschool Taste Test Kids Homeschool Activity

First 100 Animals Lift-the-Flap Book

Sitting quietly and looking at books independently is a great preschool skill to practice. I ordered this First 100 Animals Lift-the-Flap Book for my 3-year-old son s he could sit near us and quietly read his book. While my older girls do their workbooks, my son can discover new favorite animals under the colorful flaps of this sturdy board book.

First 100 Animals Lift-the-Flap Book preschool activity

Fun Preschool Workbooks and Activities for 3-year-olds

Big Preschool Workbook

Finally, my 3-year-old son can work on his own preschool workbook at his own pace, reinforcing his skills of tracing, drawing shapes and learning about colors. I’ve purchased this Big Preschool Workbook twice now for my kids. The pages are filled with colorful illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions. Similar activities are grouped together so kids can practice mastery of each skill. My son especially enjoys the tracing activities and coloring in shapes.

Big Preschool Workbook for kids

Preschool is an important year for a kid’s development. You can easily do preschool with your child at home and encourage their love for learning at a young age. My son loves being included in our school routine and doing his work at his desk. These activities are very helpful to keep a 3-year-old busy and eager to learn new things!

Preschool activities to help 3-year-old kids love learning

Katie Wallace
Katie Wallace

Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 4 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist, and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!

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Jessica Staley
Jessica Staley
6 years ago

I love the idea of the taste test. I never thought about making it fun instead of putting it on their plate and saying try it. Great ideas.

Reply
Kaylee
Kaylee
6 years ago

I bought the BIG Preschool Workbook too. My daughter loves it. The scissors one looks fun. I think we’ll try it next.

Reply
Lara
Lara
6 years ago

I love the idea of the scissor skills workbook! Our little one has just started figuring out how to work with scissors. Love that there are books. Will have to get him some!

Reply
Chastity
Chastity
6 years ago

I love the activities books I just bought my niece a few that included stickers. She loved it. Itโ€™s always great to have them learning and having fun at the same time. Great cool ideas!

Reply
Yeah Lifestyle
Yeah Lifestyle
6 years ago

I love all your suggestions and wish my two were tiny and little so I can suggest these items for them especially the snack box which is a great idea to get them to try different items

Reply
Catherine Santiago Jose
Catherine Santiago Jose
6 years ago

I love these ideas and those activity books are so cute I am pretty sure that my son would love to have these stuffs for his birthday.

Reply
Jasmine M
Jasmine M
6 years ago

I love the square baking tray. Also the First 100 Animals book is a must have. It’s very helpful for teaching kids their animals for sure.

Reply
Dana Brillante Peller
Dana Brillante Peller
6 years ago

How cute are these activity books. We used to love grabbing these for our boys when they were younger.

Reply
Courtney
Courtney
6 years ago

Omg my daughter loved all of the first 100 books when she was itty bitty!!!! They were her absolute favorite

Reply
kumamonjeng
kumamonjeng
6 years ago

This is brilliant, the square silicone baking tray will help kids to explore a different kind of fruits or food. Let them explore and get used to the taste, especially veggies. I love it.

Reply
Chad
Chad
6 years ago

These are awesome, i got excited about them lmao…Since i don’t have kids, I will flip this post to my friends, they will be interested. Thank you.

Reply
Monica Y
Monica Y
6 years ago

I love all the ideas, the one with the food is great, a good way to introduce different foods too

Reply
Rhonda Albom
Rhonda Albom
6 years ago

That taste test idea is really cute. I’m a pippin leader (youngest group of girl guides) and I think I might use a variation of that in one of my sessions.

Reply
Myrah Duque
Myrah Duque
6 years ago

Those Big preschool workbooks are awesome! The Lift the flap book are also a favorite. These are so great for kids early interaction.

Reply
Norma
Norma
6 years ago

Lift the flap book are great to keep toddlers engaged and interested in reading and learning. The 100 first animals seems like a great choice.

Reply

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Hi, I'm Katie and we are the Wallace family! We homeschool, go on adventures, and travel internationally with our four kids. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas on Create. Play. Travel.

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Travel with kids tips & inspo ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŒบ Creative family ideas ๐ŸŒŸ Saved by grace โžก๏ธ Follow our adventures!

๐Ÿ’ก Essential tips for traveling with our 4 kids! ๐Ÿ’ก Essential tips for traveling with our 4 kids!

๐Ÿงณ Pack light with items that do more

We bring clothes that mix and match, quick-dry layers, fold-flat totes, and activities that encourage creativity. Think art supplies and travel board games. The less we carry, the more we can explore.

๐Ÿฅช Eat often and try new flavors
We use snack stops and meals to experience local culture. Bakeries, fruit stands, and small cafรฉs become our favorite spots. 

๐Ÿž๏ธ Choose simple adventures over packed days
We go on kid-friendly hikes, stop at playgrounds, and tour cultural centers. We visit great houses, historic workhouses, and local museums.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Use screens sparingly
Ideally our kids only use screens on travel days, and with a time limit. Shows and multi-player games can help turn dull afternoons into family fun!

๐Ÿ”ฆ Encourage curiosity
We explore as much as we can with our four kids, shopping at markets, using public transportation, and visiting immersive attractions. We find many free activities, and budget for must-see destinations. 

โžก๏ธ Which of these travel tips would help your family the most?

๐ŸŒŸ Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

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traveling with kids, family adventures, homeschooling, exploring Europe, worldschooling
For us, itโ€™s snacksโ€ฆ lots of them. ๐Ÿ˜„ Snacks For us, itโ€™s snacksโ€ฆ lots of them. ๐Ÿ˜„ Snacks save the day on long travel days, unexpected detours, and those regular afternoons when everyone needs a boost. โœจ

Come join our adventure-loving crew! Follow @createplaytravel for family travel tips, kid-friendly ideas, and creative inspo for exploring the world with your crew. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’›

๐ŸŒŸ Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures! ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

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Giveaway! Enter to win a one-year HomeExchange mem Giveaway! Enter to win a one-year HomeExchange membership for 2026!ย ย โœจย ย Weโ€™ve stayed in some incredible homes through HomeExchange, each one giving our family an authentic travel experience! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ 

โœจย Giveaway Rules
1. Follow @createplaytravel and @homeexchangecom
2. Comment + tag a friend
#HomeExchangeForTheHolidays

This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. One winner will be chosen to receive a one-year HomeExchange membership after the giveaway ends on Dec. 21, 2025

HomeExchange allowed us to stay in cozy homes and explore France like a local. We canโ€™t wait to share the experience with one of you!ย ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’›

In Paris, we stayed in a comfy urban apartment just steps away from our favorite boulangeries and the Eiffel Tower.ย ๐Ÿฅ๐ŸŒ‡

In Lyon our cozy home had beautiful living spaces and a swimming pool that our kids absolutely loved.ย ๐Ÿ’ฆโ˜€๏ธ

In Les Herbiers, we stayed close to Puy du Fou and its immersive historical theme park attractions.

And in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Home Exchange helped us soak up the charm of a quiet riverside town that felt like stepping back in time.ย ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿก

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๐ŸŒŸย Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventuresย ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

followย along! @createplaytravel

traveling with kids, family adventures, homeschooling, explore France, Europe with kids
Where would you go? ๐Ÿ‘€ Come join our adventure-l Where would you go? ๐Ÿ‘€ Come join our adventure-loving crew! โœจ

We explore, homeschool, and live a creative family life with our four kids. ๐Ÿฉต 

Follow @createplaytravel for family-friendly destinations, travel tips, and creative ways to travel with kids!

๐ŸŒŸ Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures! ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

traveling with kids, family adventures, homeschooling, worldschooling
Our kids are our biggest fans ๐Ÿ™Œ๐ŸŽฌ Making YouT Our kids are our biggest fans ๐Ÿ™Œ๐ŸŽฌ
Making YouTube videos of our family adventures has been such a great way to share and save our family memories. We watch our vids all the time, which take us right back to the special moments. Our audience is growing slowly, but itโ€™s really not about that at all!

Because we travel with our kids, our children are brave and adventurous โ€” willing to try new things and eager to problem solve. Adventurous kids are resourceful kids! 

โžก๏ธ Have you seen the benefits of traveling with your kids?

๐ŸŒŸ Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

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traveling with kids, family adventures, homeschooling, exploring Europe
We visited the Trevi Fountain in Rome during Easte We visited the Trevi Fountain in Rome during Easter weekend. โ›ฒ๏ธโœจ Even though the streets of Rome were packed, this site had crowd control security, who only let a few people down in front of the fountain at a time.

We stood in line for 10 minutes, and were given unrushed time to take photos and video clips in front of this iconic landmark. ๐Ÿ“ธ We have no idea whether this is normal, but it was such a special highlight in Rome! 

Have you been to the Trevi Fountain? What was your experience with the crowds? 

๐ŸŒŸ Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

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๐ŸŒ‰ Destination Highlight: Tower Bridge, London! ๐ŸŒ‰ Destination Highlight: Tower Bridge, London! ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Tower Bridge ended up being such a memorable stop! The walkways offer amazing views of the River Thames and the city skyline.

โœจ Fun facts:

Tower Bridge opened in 1894 after eight years of construction.

Itโ€™s a bascule bridge, meaning the roadway lifts up for tall ships to pass through.

The glass floor walkways were added in 2014, giving visitors a thrilling (and slightly scary!) perspective from 138 feet above the Thames.

Our kids loved learning how the bridge lifts up using giant counterweights, and we all left with a new appreciation for Londonโ€™s engineering and history. ๐Ÿ’™

Would you be brave enough to walk across the glass floor? ๐Ÿ˜„

Hi! Weโ€™re the Wallace family ๐Ÿ‘‹๐ŸŒŸ Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

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A day exploring London with four kids! โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly spots ๐Ÿ‘‡

โœจ Big Ben & the London Eye โ€“ Iconic landmarks and amazing views around Westminster.

๐ŸŒ‰ Tower Bridge โ€“ An interactive, educational stop that our kids absolutely loved!

๐Ÿ›๏ธ British Museum โ€“ We explored Egyptian and Assyrian exhibits and even saw the Rosetta Stone! ๐Ÿคฏ

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Liberty London โ€“ A fun and colorful stop for unique souvenirs and creative inspiration.

Every corner of London had something special; so much history, beauty, and adventure for families! ๐Ÿ’‚โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’™

โžก๏ธ Have you explored London with your kids yet? What was your favorite part?

๐ŸŒŸ Hi, Weโ€™re the Wallaces! Inspiring families to live creatively and make memories, through adventures ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฉต

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