News for Black Hills Early Learners

Early Childhood Connections are weekly contributors to Early Learning Activities

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   Separation anxiety is a normal stage of emotional development that starts when babies begin to understand that things and people exist even when they're not present – a concept called object permanence. At certain stages, most babies will show true anxiety and become upset at being separated from a parent.  Link to Article Here Developing Relationships Goal SED-2 Play The classic game of peek-a-boo can do wonders for separation anxiety, as can games like hide-the-ball. These types of activities help babies realize that things that go away come back Developing Relationships Goal SED-2 Squishy Heart bags are a safe way for babies to explore color mixing. Link to Activity Here Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1

Busy Toddlers Activities for children 1-3

Physical/Outdoor All you need is large red heart for each child (laminated and then taped to the floor) for some heart stompin' fun. Put on some music and have the children dance around the room as the music plays. When the music stops, they have to find a heart and stand on it! When they are all on a heart, say a number and have them stomp or hop on their heart that many times! Motor Development Goal HPD-4 This is a fine motor skills builder disguised as a Valentine’s Day craft for kids. Learning to cut is tricky and practicing scissor skills is important. This simple craft works on those skills then adds in some more while children carefully place the cut paper into a heart. Link to Activity Here Motor Development Goal HPD-5 Science/Sensory Heart Symmetry painting is when you add a few drops of paint to one side of a piece of paper, fold the second side over the paint, and press the paint sandwich together with your hands. Then, when you open up and voila -you have a unique and symmetrical design of squished paint. Link to Activity Here Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1 Marbling art is a great sensory technique for 1 year old on up. This is perfect as a Valentine’s Day project, or for any time of the year. Link to Activity Here Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal- 8

Literacy/Math Name puzzles are a fabulous way to help children learn to identify and order their name letters. Make a Valentine themed puzzle using a heart shape. Link to Activity Here Foundations For Reading Goal CLL-6 Use colored tape to create a simple sorting activity for toddlers. Link to Activity Here Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6 Social Emotional When your child is engaged in challenging behavior, it is important to stay calm. If you express your anger and frustration, it might result in more challenging behavior from your child. Remaining calm will provide the safety and support your child needs as they learn how to calm themselves. Here are some tips for you and your child staying calm. Link to Infographic Here Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-5 Here are some great ways to start out encouraging your child other than "good job". Link to Article Here Developing A Positive Sense of Self Goal SED-1

Hands-On Preschoolers Activities for children 4-5

Physical/Outdoor In this fun movement game, children will work together to fill letter buckets. Besides demonstrating knowledge of letters this is a gross motor activity that demonstrates basic locomotor skills like jumping and running. Link to Activity Here Motor Development Goal HPD-4 Make your own Valentine fine motor crayon rub messages. Link to Activity Here Motor Development Goal HPD-5

Science/Sensory How about a little Valentine physics? Give children a piece of tinfoil and ask them to design a boat. Put the boat in a tub of water to see if it floats. Then add some Valentine conversation candies. Does it still float? Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal- 9 This Crystal hearts Valentines Science Experiment makes a great science craft and decoration to try with kids. Link to Activity Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal- 8

Literacy/Math This Valentine’s day themed dinner table conversation starter does double duty as decor for your home or classroom! Link to Activity Here Communication and Oral Language Devleopment Goal CLL-3 Get kids excited about using and learning math using a bag of conversation hearts to explore patterns, estimation and measurement, as well as introduce some engineering ideas! Link to Activity Here Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6

Creative Arts Seems like everyone was exploring with chalk outdoors this past year. Chalk can also be a fun medium to explore for indoor projects as well. This Heart Chalk Stencil Art almost looks like the hearts are glowing. Link to Activity Here Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12 How do you teach children to appreciate and look at art? And is it really necessary? Do I have to take my child to an art museum? These questions and more answered in article below. Link to Article Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-13 Early Childhood Connections gives children the opportunity to display their masterpieces. Link below for more information. Mini Masters Children's Art Exhibit