News for Black Hills Early Learners
We are here to bring you fun activities for any child ages 0-5 years. We hope you find this useful and helpful during this very unusual time. Happy learning!
The holidays are typically a time when families from near and far come together to celebrate. This year may look a little different but you can still make Holiday memories even from a distance. Click on Wreath for ideas for your family.
At the end of each activity domain and goals for the activities are provided. For a copy of the Early Learning Guidelines click on the photo.

Infant Corner
Activities for children under 1
Development

The first twelve months of a baby’s life are full of sensory advancements. Sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste all develop faster during the first 12 months of life than during any time thereafter. As a baby’s senses become more refined, their unique preferences and responses begin to reveal themselves, and their personalities begin to shine.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning CD-1
Play

This easy-to-set-up sensory bin activity for infants only requires cloth napkins or fabric scraps. (You can even use socks!)
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning CD-1

Infants use their senses to learn about the world around them. Sensory stimulation is linked to emotional, cognitive and physical development.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning CD-1
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

Put on your favorite Christmas music and encourage your toddlers to do a Christmas themed Workout.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Bright white playdough is a great fine motor activity idea for your toddler.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

This Gingerbread Playdough Recipe is a perfect winter sensory play activity for toddlers.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

The simplest science experiences sometimes are the most fun. Use peppermint candy to create fireworks stripes.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math

Toddlers will love the story of David's antics in "It's Christmas, David!" Link below to questions that you can use to get your child to think and talk about what is happening in the book
Link to Read Aloud of Book (animated version of the book)

Communication and Oral Language Development Goal CLL-2

Customize your own bingo cards to match shapes or numbers.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-5/CD-4
Social Emotional
During the pandemic some programs have had to close for a time to clean or children need to quarantine due to a contact or a family members contact with someone positive. This can be confusing for young children. Link to this Social Story "Why Can't I go to School."
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-2

You don’t need to make every game a big learning event, but know that play and exploration are so helpful in learning social skills. Games like Simon Says & Red Light Green Light teaches self control and following directions.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors SED-4
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

Make a snowman toss game is a fun way to work on hand-eye coordination and build gross motor and fine motor skills. 
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Practice fine motor skills by making these beautiful snowflakes. Added bonus ideas to include math included.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory
If you have never made slime now might be a great time to try this Gingerbread slime recipe. A how to video is included to show how easy it can be.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

For this fizzing candy canes experiment, you will just need candy canes, baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. 
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math
Easy to set up Snowball Name Activity. Also a great fine motor activity.
Foundations for Writing Goal CLL-9

Here are some great ideas for setting up a jingle bell math station either at home or in the classroom
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6
Creative Arts

Messy fun and easy decorations with simple glitter plates.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Cookie cutter art, or printmaking, is such a simple, yet fun activity. Just grab some paint and some awesome winter themed cookie cutters'.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12