Lock and key matching game for preschoolers

About a year or so ago, I spoke at a conference and a teacher told me about this lock and key game. I couldn’t wait to get back and put into action in my classroom…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

It took me a little time to gather up enough locks and keys but I found some at the dollar store and Walmart, some were donated to me, and my husband had a few left over from work.  After I collected as many as I wanted, I brought them to school for our big lock and key day…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

Before the children arrived at school, Mrs. Courtney and I strategically placed locks all around the classroom. We had small locks on clipboards, large locks on baskets, and middle sized blocks on chairs and so on…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

We introduced the game to the children and set out all the keys that went to the locks on a table. The children each selected a key then were off to find which lock their key would unlock…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

The children deduced that the smallest keys would most likely fit into the smallest locks and the larger keys in the larger locks.  This conclusion didn’t always hold true but it was accurate most of the time…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

The children tried their keys in each lock around the classroom until they found a match and the lock popped open…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

Once all the keys were matched to all the locks, the children were welcomed to continue playing the game by putting the locks back on objects around the classroom as they wished.  All morning long, the children used their fine motor skills to twist and turn keys while they unlocked and locked up things all around the classroom…

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

I had forgotten about this terrific idea until I happened upon this amazing –> Letter and Sounds Lock and Key Game shared by Ali over at No Time for Flashcards! If you haven’t seen it yet, it is totally worth a peek and its another wonderful idea I can borrow for our classroom too!

Lock and Key Matching Game by Teach Preschool

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Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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