News for Black Hills Early Learners

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   As a 2-4-month-old exits the newborn stage, they'll be developing new skills, such as grasping for toys (or your hand, heart-meltingly). At this point, don't expect your baby to be able to grab anything with precision, but they'll open and close their tiny fists and bat at hanging toys. Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1 Your newborn probably made soft cooing sounds, which are adorable. But from 3 to 4 months old, your baby's "talking" will become more sophisticated. You may hear your 3-month-old start babbling, making sounds like "muh-muh" or "bah-bah." Your baby may try to imitate your sounds and mouth shapes when you talk. Communication and Oral Language Goal CLL-1 Play Between 2 and 4 months, babies are perfecting their swatting technique, and there's no more irresistible target than an unfamiliar object suspended overhead. They also love to feel different textures, and a collection of fabric swatches is a great way to help develop his sense of touch. Link below to two activities to play 'Swat Team & Switch Swatch'. Link to Activity Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1 Watch this brief video to see How can you help baby develop 0-3 month communication skills. Link to Video Here Communication and Oral Language Goal CLL-1

Busy Toddlers Activities for children 1-3

Physical/Outdoor Can't get out in the cold weather to wear your toddler out. Stack up some pillows and jump or walk on pillows. Link to Activity Here Motor Development Goal HPD-4 Painting is an effective way to build fine motor skills because it requires your toddler to use a pincher grasp to hold the paintbrush. It also encourages them to move their hand, wrist and arm to create an image on the paper. Set out a large piece of paper and have the children work on a friendship painting together. Motor Development HPD-5 Science/Sensory This sensory lesson includes a kindness activity for kids that is short and sweet! Learning to use kind words with our friends is one friendship lesson that we can never cover enough...kids always need reminding (sometimes adults do too)!  Link to Activity Here Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-2 There are many simple science experiments that can be done right on the kitchen counter. This Valentines Oil and Water Science Activity is one of them! Link to Activity Here Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

Literacy/Math Check out this fantastic list of children's books about friendship from PBS for parents. Link to List Here Foundations for Reading Goal CLL-4 Make some shape wands and turn your home or classroom into the perfect place for kids to learn and identify shapes in an active way. Link to Activity Here Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-5 Social Emotional This fun roll-the-jar art activity encourages two friends to work together! The activity suggests leave shapes but for February heart shapes are perfect for this activity! Link to Activity Here Developing Relationships Goal SED-3 When children engage in behavior that pushes your buttons, it is important to be intentional in how you respond. Making a plan will help you remain calm when you respond. The article below gives strategies that you might use when a child’s behavior pushes your buttons. Link to Article Here Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4

Hands-On Preschoolers Activities for children 4-5

Physical/Outdoor For those times, you just need to remove the wiggles from your preschooler, create an action jar. Link to Activity Here Motor Development Goal HPD-4 Practice scissor cutting skills with a broken hearts activity. Link to Activity Here Motor Development Goal HPD-5

Science/Sensory This fun Valentine bubble science activity for preschool is perfect for engaging young kids in science! Using bubbles at home or in the classroom is a great way to naturally provide opportunities for open-ended inquiry and exploration- important scientific skills that will set the stage for future success in school and life. Link to Activity Here Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9 In this experiment, dig into popcorn with your child(ren) by preparing the kernels differently, observing and comparing the unique results, and drawing a conclusion about the best preparation method.  Link to Activity Here Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

Literacy/Math Encourage preschoolers to write cards/letters to friends and family during the month of February. Link to Activity Here Foundations for Writing Goal CLL-9 Get preschoolers moving and counting with a valentine hearts number line game. Practice number recognition with a heart matching game or jump from heart to heart and practice counting. Link to Activity Here Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4

Creative Arts Children can explore with mixing of colors with these Coffee Filter Heart Rainbows. Link to Activity Here Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12 Use some crayon shavings and wax paper to make suncatchers in heart shapes for the month of February. Remember to always supervise children closely when using hot tools such as an iron. Link to Activity Here Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12