Article: Preschoolers are just starting to learn to recognize letters and numbers, so look for games that focus on those things. Make sure the games are easy to understand so the preschooler you're babysitting can follow along. Play with them on a big ABC mat. Play with letter tiles. Hold up a tile and have them guess what letter it is. If they get it right, give them the tile. Play memory with a deck of cards. Spread all the cards out face down and have them flip the cards 2 at a time. The goal is for them to flip over 2 cards that are the same number. If there's no playdough in the house, ask the preschooler to help you make some from scratch. Put the playdough on a tray or plate so the preschooler you're babysitting doesn't make a mess. Help them build things with it and show them how to roll the playdough with their hands. Don't forget to clean up when you're finished. Make sure the preschooler you're babysitting doesn't try to eat the playdough! Keep in mind that preschoolers may get things on their skin and in their mouth, so don't use any supplies that are toxic or messy. Stick with crafts that are simple and easy to clean up. Supervise them at all times so they don't make a big mess. Have the preschooler you're babysitting play with stickers. Give them a sheet of paper and help them peel off the stickers and stick them to the paper. Give them paper and crayons to draw with. Crayons aren't as messy as markers or paint, so you won't have to worry about a big clean up afterward. Have them draw shapes and then you cut them out. Then, let them position the shapes on a sheet of paper. You can tape or glue the shapes to the paper for them. Avoid strenuous or overly active games that could lead to the preschooler you're babysitting getting hurt. If you're going to bring them outside, stick with activities where you're sitting or walking, as opposed to running or throwing things. Go outside and draw with sidewalk chalk. Prepare some bubbles and let the preschooler you're babysitting play with them outside. Walk them around the backyard and teach them about the different plants and animals you encounter. If you can't find a show on TV, search online and watch an episode of something on the computer. This is a great activity for later in the evening when the preschooler you're babysitting may be getting tired. Limit their screen time to 1 hour so you don't spend the whole time you're babysitting them watching TV. Make sure you get permission from their parents before you watch something with them. Ask the preschooler or their parents what their favorite TV shows are.
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Play letters and numbers games if they're in the mood to learn. Play with playdough if they want to make something. Do easy, mess-free crafts if they're in a creative mood. Get permission to take them outside and do simple, low-key activities. Watch an educational TV show together if they seem tired.