News for Black Hills Early Learners
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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
 
By one years of age babies should be getting to a sitting position without help, pull up to a stand and walk holding on to furniture. They may be starting to take a few steps and stand alone. 
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

By one years of age babies should be using a pincer grasp, put objects in a box as well as take them out, poke at things with their index finger and finger-feed themselves.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5

Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.
Play

This fine motor activity is not only quick and easy to set up but packed with hands-on learning while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, problem-solving and perseverance. 
Motor Development Goal HPD- 5

Below link to learn strategies a parent or caregiver can employ to help their baby learn to sit up.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

When it's too cold to go outdoors, create this simple Robot Dance challenge to get your toddlers moving.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
A soft silicone whisk and some pom poms are all you need for this Kitchen whisk fine motor activity.
Motor Development HPD-5
Science/Sensory

Create an easy sensory bin with oatmeal and measuring cups.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

Easy to create vinegar and baking soda experiment to create a hidden color mystery.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Literacy/Math

If you have a whiteboard you can sneak in letter recognition with a favorite activity for toddlers-spraying a spray bottle. Start by writing a letter on the whiteboard. Then, give your little one the spray bottle and encourage them to spray the letter on the board and make it disappear! You can also write your child’s name or a sight word instead of a single letter to extend the fun.
Foundations of Reading Goal CLL-8

Creating your own board games can be fun. Download and print this shapes board game for toddlers or create your own using stickers and markers.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-5
Social Emotional

When your child is engaged in challenging behavior or experiencing anger, stress, sadness or frustration, 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. Link below to infographic with calming down strategies for you and your child.
Self-Regulations and Pro-social Behaviors Goal SED-5

This Stop and Go activity is a great way to discuss classroom expectations for young children.
Developing Relationships SED-3
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

A journey stick (also known as a story stick or nature stick) is essentially a memento of a nature walk, featuring items collected on a walk. These might be things like leaves, twigs, flowers, feathers, or anything else natural that you find along the way.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Have your child put on winter gloves to encourage fine motor skill development while playing with manipulatives.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

This is a messy activity but oh so cool and wonderful to make "colored glass".
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Link below to video of 10 easy fun science activities for preschool children.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Literacy/Math

This video from the Center for Early Literacy Learning explores the way everyday learning transforms the most ordinary activities and events of daily life, and fills them with meaning and promise. Children learn about letters and words, books and stories, and have conversations as well as listen to others throughout their day.
Communication and Oral Language Development Goal CLL-1
Link below for 6 preschool math activities. Numbers, Counting and Beyond!
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Creative Arts

Explore ways to make simple suncatchers to brighten windows.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Glue art on paper is a process-based art. Focusing on the process versus the final product is a meaningful way for young children to grow as makers and for adults to take a well-needed art break that’s good for the soul. There are so many benefits to playing and experimenting with art supplies — for both kids and adults.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12