Create a cool classroom treasure hunt that will brighten the day of any preschool group. This fun activity can be used for many different purposes, and tied in to multiple themes. Plan lesson objects and specific content in terms of the class’s needs and abilities. The following lesson plan is a general guide that can be easily altered for individualized need.
Treasure Hunt Lesson Objectives
- Increase sequencing skills.
- Follow simple directions.
- Recall facts, images, or objects.
- Explore the classroom setting (i.e. the child’s school environment).
- Demonstrate pro-social skills such as turn taking, working collaboratively, and listening to others.
- Increase literacy skills.
- Number recognition.
- Build map reading skills.
Grade/Age Group
The treasure hunt can be used with children ages four and up.
Materials Needed for a Classroom Treasure Hunt
- Paper
- Markers
- Scissors
- Small boxes (a bakery box works well)
- Sequins
- Glue
Treasure Hunt Steps
Pre-planning
Create small clues for the treasure hunt. These can be very simple words that the children may have seen such as Art Center or Books, or pictures that have been cut from magazines. Each clue will be directed the children to find something else or go to another classroom area. Make sure that the clues are very specific and easy to understand. For example, try to avoid longer sentences that the children can not read or understand by themselves. These may include clues such as, "First go to the area of the classroom where something from a library could be found" or, "Look for something on the side of the room that is blue and brown". Instead write very simple clues such as, "Housekeeping" or, "Dress up".
Place each clue in a specific classroom space.
Create a map of the classroom using markers and paper. This map should have each area where the children will find clues. Try using simple words and pictures. Use directional arrows as a guide. Place a star at the end of the map where the treasure can be found. All of the children do not need to move from clue to clue as one large group. Try creating several different versions of the map by numbering the clue stops in slightly different orders. The children can then be split into smaller groups.
Create the treasure for the end of the hunt. This can be a box filled with shiny sequins. Make enough for each child to have one.
Place the boxes on the last stop of the hunt. If different treasure hunt path sequences are being used, make sure that all end at the same spot.
Activity Steps
- Split the children into small groups.
- Hand each group one map.
- Instruct the children to follow the map by looking at the numbers. Each clue will be represented by a different number. Remind the children that it is possible to figure out the next classroom place by looking at both the number on the map and the word or picture on the clue.
- Once all of the children have gotten to the treasure, decorate the treasure boxes. This can be accomplished by gluing the sequins onto the outside of the box.
Treasure Hunt Lesson Wrap Up
After the treasure hunt has been completed, discuss it with the children. Ask questions such as:
- How was the treasure found?
- What was the map for?
- What clues were found?
- Where was the treasure?
- What classroom spaces were found?
Enrichment Activities for the Classroom Treasure Hunt
This activity can be used for many different purposes. This list provides some examples of ways to utilize a classroom treasure hunt within the context of specific lesson planning goals.
- First Day of School Activity: Try a classroom treasure hunt on the first day of the new school year. This activity can be used to introduce the students to one another (group work) and to introduce the actual classroom. Make sure that all classroom areas are given as clues. This will allow the children to explore the new room, and develop an understanding for where everything is.
- Pirate Theme: Create a fun pirate themed day with a treasure hunt. Make pirate hats and eye patches. Read a story about pirates.
- Color Recognition: Instead of just using words or pictures, add color clues to the mix.
The classroom treasure hunt activity is a great way for young children to learn about the classroom environment. Whether it is used on the first day of school as an introductory exercise or as a fun activity treat, the treasure hunt is a special way to present a variety of different learning concepts.
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