News for Black Hills Early Learners
Starting on March 7th the Early Learning Digest will be going out monthly on the first Monday of each month!
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
 
Loving relationships give young children a sense of comfort, safety, confidence, and encouragement. They teach young children how to form friendships, communicate emotions, and to deal with challenges. That is why it is important to provide babies with responsive care.
Developing Relationships Goal SED-2
Play

It’s a good idea to follow your baby’s lead when it comes to play. This is because babies learn and develop best when they’re interested and enjoying themselves. Link below to short video on following your child's lead.
Developing Relationships Goal SED-2

Children are born with the need and desire to connect with those around them. When their caregivers establish positive relationships with children from birth through the early years, and value their diverse cultures and languages, children feel safe and secure, laying the foundation for healthy social and emotional development.
Link below to Article on fostering healthy social emotional development.
Developing Relationships Goal SED-2
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

Have fun playing with feathers with toddlers and get them moving. Let them manipulate them as they wish and blow or toss them up in the air. Encourage them to try to catch the feathers and toss them even higher in the air or keep see how long they can keep them up in the air. Play fast-paced music to get children moving and calm music (dim the lights) to help them relax.
Physical Health and Growth Goal HPD-2

This activity will give children the opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination, pencil grip, and other fine motor skills. You just need a few supplies and you are ready to set up this adorable invitation to the children to brush the seeds into a simple bird shape.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

With so much going on in February did you know February is National Bird Feeding Month?
Link below to make a simple bird feeder with your toddlers.
Note: this uses peanut butter so be sure none of your children have a peanut allergy. If they do you can use vegetable shortening such as Crisco or Sunflower Seed butter.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1

Link below to ideas for creating a playdough bird nest sensory bin.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal- 8
Literacy/Math

Link below to find free bird sounds, songs and rhymes that are sure to please toddlers and preschoolers alike.
Communication and Oral Language Development Goal CLL-3

Ten Little Birds is a fun counting song for children to teach counting numbers easily for kids.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Social Emotional

Here is a great article for parents on helping their children learn about emotions.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-5

Toddlers watch how you express your emotions, and you can set a good example when you manage your emotions in positive ways. For example, you send a powerful message when you respond to your frustrated toddler with calmness and understanding.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-5
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

Make a life size nest with your children and let them explore. If you don't have access to big boxes a plastic pool works too!
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-2
Practice counting and strengthen fine motor skills with this activity for preschoolers.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

Here’s a fun challenge…can you build a nest using natural materials just like real birds do? NO GLUE OR TAPE ALLOWED!!! This “Make A Birds Nest” STEAM project is a fun way to challenge your kids and get them testing out their ideas and problem solving.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD -3
The feeding habits of each bird species rely on their type of beak. Birds beaks are very specialized tools that determine what birds are able to eat. Some beaks are great for cracking the hard shells of seeds and nuts, while others are better for probing for and grabbing insects. This bird beak experiment will help kids explore the differences.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal- 8
Literacy/Math

This writing tray made with birdseed is a great activity to explore the sense of touch and provides a unique sensory experience for your preschooler. 
Foundations for Writing Goal CLL-10
Cut feather shapes out of paper and write the numbers 1-10 on them, then lay them out in a circle.  This activity can be done with one child or a small group. Put on some music and have child(ren) dance around stepping on each feather.  When the music stops have child pick up a number and try to identify it. 
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Creative Arts

Large piece of paper, paint and a cheap pack of sponges are the materials needed to make a tree and bird group art project.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Link below to 5 fun ways to paint with feathers. These process art activities are perfect all year or during a study of birds.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12