How to Create an “I Spy” Activity

Creating an “I Spy” activity is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help children build observation skills, visual memory, focus, and early counting abilities.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler, this activity can be customized for any theme—animals, shapes, colors, holidays, or even classroom objects.

With just a few images and a playful layout, you can turn a simple worksheet into an engaging game that keeps kids excited while learning.

Choose a Theme

Pick a theme to make the activity fun and focused. Examples:

• Classroom objects
• Animals
• Food
• Shapes
• Colors
• Holidays (Christmas, Halloween, Easter)
• Five Senses

A theme helps you choose the right images.

2. Select Your Objects

Choose 8–20 small objects or images that fit your theme.

Examples:

• For Animals: cat, dog, bird, fish, turtle
• For Classroom: pencil, eraser, book, scissors

Tip: Vary the size, orientation, and quantity to make it challenging.