News for Black Hills Early Learners
May 2022

At the end of each activity South Dakota Early Learning 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
Caring for Infants
Here is a simple sensory exploration for infants that can promote fine motor skills and be put together in very little time.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5

Check out this easy gross motor scarf pull you can make for babies.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

If you work with infants in group care, use adhesive paper to display a picture of each child's mother on the wall next to your changing table. Encourage children to identify their mother's picture when you change their diaper.
Developing Relationships Goal SED-2

Salt, flour, water, an oven and some paint is what you will need to make these adorable footprint hearts. These can be used as Mother's Day presents or any special occasion. If baby can hold and use a paintbrush, they can help with the painting.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1

Spring is slowly arriving and what a great time to get out and spend more times outdoors. The benefits of nature are important for both baby and their caregivers.
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor
This game is a watered down version of Mother, May I?, that removes the competition for younger players.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

Looking for a fun active learning game? These two games get your kids moving! Kids will love counting the chips … but be careful, don't drop the cookies!
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

For very young toddlers, practicing their pinching skills is a great start to strengthening fine motor skills. The Bead Drop Jar is a simple, low prep activity.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory
Here is a two ingredient slime that is taste safe for toddlers.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-1

Gravity is a force that attracts things. Gravity is why objects fall to the ground. The strength of the attraction depends on the mass of the two objects and the distance between them. The greater the mass, the greater the attraction. Explore gravity with your toddler.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal-8

Toddlers love to play in mud so why not let them create their own "mud" to drive their toy trucks and cars through.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Literacy
A simple twist on the traditional listening game “Simon Says” turns it into a fun Mother’s Day game, by saying “Mama Says”. Child can only follow the directions when you say "Mama Says".
Communication and Oral Language Development Goal CLL-1

This activity requires a little set up but when we combine movement with learning, kids absorb so much. This Spell Your Name Hopscotch Game makes learning to spell their name fun.
Foundations for Reading Goal CLL-4

Toddlers can explore the letters of the alphabet while playing with a beach ball!
Foundations for Reading Goal CLL-4
Math
Here’s a counting math game for kids perfect for practicing one-to-one correspondence. It’s super easy to make and lots of fun for the kids!
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4

This activity takes a little time to set up but can provide lots of fun for toddlers to match paper towel tubes to the holes on a large box.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6

Investigate shapes with the power of touch! Create a touch and feel shapes board to help toddlers both recognize shapes and build skills to make their own shapes later on.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-5
Social/Emotional
When a calm down bottle has items such as glitter in it that move slowly, children (and adults) are often mesmerized by watching their slow descent and this calms their breathing and helps them regulate themselves and their emotions.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4

Playdough makes a good sensory outlet for children and adults alike. Make purple lavender scented playdough for the most calming experience.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4

Take advantage of teachable moments with your toddler.
If you are at the park or grocery store with your child chances are you may hear another child either screaming or crying. If your little one hears them too, take a second and explain to them that the other child is sad or upset. You can brainstorm with them reasons that the child is upset such as they don’t want to go home or they are not getting something they want.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-5
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor


These 10 Fun Gross Motor Balloon Tennis games are sure to be a hit with the whole family or class. Each game is a great way to build kids gross motor skills too.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Children will enjoy these Mother’s Day movement activities as they move like the baby and mama animals. 
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

If you have some bubble wrap you can create these finger gym activities that not only develops fine motor skills but literacy and math.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

There’s something about discovering a worm right under your feet that blows kids’ little minds! And you don’t need much to dig for worms. Find an outdoor area where you can dig (a garden or near the edge of the woods is ideal). The best time to find worms near the surface is after a rain when the soil is moist. Give each kid a shovel or garden spade and encourage them to dig into the dirt.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8

Let children see for themselves why we need worms. Enjoy a little worm observation by making a Worm House.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8

For something simple but unique, make a thaumatrope with preschoolers! What is a thaumatrope? A simple retro handheld toy that creates the appearance of a cartoon-like animation when it spins.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Literacy

This is a name tracing activity that has preschoolers tracing their name three times for a fun way to learn their name.
Foundations for Writing Goal CLL-10

Play a Guess Who game with your child. Take turns thinking of a special friend or family member without saying their name. Give clues and try to guess who it is.
Communicating and Oral Language Development Goal CLL-3

Link below for ideas and instructions to create discovery bottles that are a fun way to extend a favorite children’s book in the classroom or at home.
Foundations For Reading Goal CLL-4
Math

Looking for a fun way to practice simple math with your preschool aged child? Mystery Math activity is part art, part math and part detective work!
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
How many drops of what does it take to fill a circle? Draw some different sized circles randomly around a piece of laminated paper. If you don’t have a laminator you can use a sheet protector. You will also need colored water and an eye-dropper.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-7

Practice patterns using fine motor skills in this Poke a Pattern game created with toothpicks and a box.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6
Creative Arts

A paper mache bowl is a really creative and inexpensive gift for kids to make for Mother's Day or to give to someone special in their lives. The process does require a bit of time because of the drying time, but the results are stunning!
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Mirror nature painting outside is one of those process art activities that are intriguing and fun. The reflection of the sky, or trees, in the mirror are so gorgeous. 
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Don't throw away those celery stocks! Instead, save them to stamp flower prints that can make beautiful Mother's day cards! Or cards for any special occasion/person.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12
imagination BOOK STOP
For lesson plan ideas around books that families receive from the Imagination Library go to Black Hills Reads Resources. Each Book Stop features information about the book, discussion ideas and activities.