A Treasure Map Color Hunt? Yes, Please! When it comes to your preschooler writing, there is more you can do than simply writing letters. The more you help your child grasp a marker, pencil, crayon, etc., the stronger their hands get for school-age – when things become a little (correction: a lot) more demanding.
This article explains the benefits of a Treasure Map Color Hunt and answers some frequently asked questions. You’ll also find a list of supplies and how to start!
RELATED: Spend time strengthening those little hands. I have 50 fine motor activities to get us going.
Benefits of a Treasure Map Color Hunt
Treasure maps are where it’s at.
For one, they look fantastic. Kids are instantly hooked. – no pun intended.
Secondly, they learn while playing! The National Association for the Education of Young Children explain how playful activities (like this treasurer map color hunt) can keep learning child-centered, developmentally appropriate and playful.
Behind the scenes of an activity like this, children are:
- Classifying by color – learning color groups is essential for later in life.
- Following two-step directions – This may sound simple, but it is a critical skill for children to practice. How many of your children can follow two-step directions with ease? I know mine can use some work, and this treasure map, Breakfast Invitation, is the perfect place to begin.
- Strengthening small hand muscles – the journey will allow your child to hold a marker and improve their pencil grip.
- Writing using hand-eye coordination – tracing lines helps massively with writing skills.
We also have a lot of fun with colors. Here are 35 color activities for kids!
RELATED: Here are 25+ ways to improve pencil grip other than holding a pencil.
Treasure Map Supplies
- Color-Coding Labels – these help you easily create a color chart.
- Easy Roll Paper – perfect for creating your treasure map!
- Washable Markers – choose a range of colors for kids to explore.
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How to Set Up Your Color Map Treasure Hunt
Step 1. Google “treasure map for kids” or screenshot one of our images
This way, you will have a visual to use as a guide.
Step 2. Draw your dotted path
Add curves and loops to improve hand-eye-coordination.
Step 3. Add dot stickers in between
This makes it easier for children to concentrate on small sections at a time.
Step 4. Add some treasure map “extras”
Such as a large X, mountains, skull, etc.
Step 5. Draw a treasure box at the end
Add some fun dot stickers to make it more exciting!
RELATED: Read more about the stages of writing here.
How to Play Color Map Treasure Hunt
- Follow the Dotted Line – With your marker follow the dotted line to a colored circle.
- Color Match – When you reach the circle, put your marker down and find an object in the house that’s the same color as the sticker.
- Collect the Treasure – Place the object on the treasure map.
- Keep Following the Dotted Line – Continue tracing the dotted line until you reach the next colored circle.
- Reach the Treasure Chest – When you reach the treasure chest, you’re done! You can now find an object that has multiple colors.
Treasure Map Hunts Are Great for Little Explorers to Learn Colors!
Kids need to move. Kids need to touch. It’s time to try this treasure map color seek and find! Let’s take the time to create hands-on ways for our children to spark creativity.
Looking for more great color activities?
Then look no further…
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
Frequently Asked Questions
This activity is fun for ages 2.5-5.5. Modify for toddlers with fewer colored dots. Extend for preschoolers with more colored dots. More or less dots keeps the activity at the child’s attention span.
Remember, kids, don’t need all the bells and whistles to get excited. We can keep things simple by adding stickers or a secret message for children to reveal once they reach the end.
We start our mornings with something we have named a Breakfast Invitation. These simple morning games begin the day with play and lead right into independent play. This gives me a chance to connect with my kids, chat about what they are working on, and drink my tea HOT! If you have early mornings, try playing after a nap, during dinner prep, or after school.
