Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Click here to print a copy of Kindergarten Here I Come, or click here to print a copy of December's booklist!


We're learning Language and Literacy Skills 

Do it! 

Help your preschooler look through magazines to find words that begin with the first letter of their name. Have them use a crayon to circle the letter. If your preschooler has difficulty circling the letters, use a stamper instead. Say the letter, sound the letter sound, sign the letter with your fingers, and touch the letter in braille. Trace the letters with your fingers and repeat the letter each time.  

Read it! 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. Miss Spider's ABC by David Kirk.


We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Do it! 

Prepare a meal with your preschooler. Show them how to measure different ingredients using measuring cups or spoons. Introduce mathematical vocabulary throughout cooking, such as cup, tablespoon, temperature, etc. Help your preschooler understand the steps by using visuals during a cooking activity for each step of the recipe.

Read it! 

Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak.


We're learning Science Thinking and Technology 

Do it! 

Experiment with magnets. Give your preschooler a refrigerator magnet and see where they can make it stick. Talk about what all those objects have in common. Take the time to move around and feel objects made from those materials, then experiment to see if the magnet sticks.

Read it! 

Shapes All Over Town by Joe Borer. What Magnets Can Do by Alan Fowler. 


We're learning Social Emotional Development

Do it! 

Bake cookies for a family member or neighbor. Let your preschooler share how they made the cookies. If they have difficulty with sequencing or communicating verbally, take pictures as you bake. After printing the pictures, help your preschooler put them in order from first to last steps. Put the pictures in a small photo album or on card stock for them to share with the recipient of the cookies. 

Read it! 

The Gingerbread Boy by Richard Egielski. Jelly Beans for Sale by Bruce McMillan. 

5-Gifts-to-give-a-child-this-holiday-season

Top Five Gifts for Your Preschooler


Did you know there are five gifts you can give your preschooler this holiday season that won't cost a penny, but will last a lifetime? 


Check out these top five gifts to give to your preschooler (available in English and Spanish)

Submit a Coloring Entry to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Coloring Contest


The Pennsylvania Farm Show Coloring Contest is now accepting entries! Grab your crayons, colored pencils, and markers and get busy coloring. The coloring page contest is open to participants, 4 years to senior citizen. Register by completing the General Entry Form and including it with your colored official 2023 Color Page. 


There some pretty pictures to enjoy coloring. Check out the 2024 Coloring Page and submit your entry by the December 15, 2023, deadline. See the rules and how to submit your entry.

School Success Starts at Home



Families who play with their kids and provide learning materials like books and craft supplies help ensure that their kids get started on the right foot. This quick video below from Child Trends has ideas for low or no cost solutions to help your preschooler get ready for school.

Mindfulness With Children


Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness, the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment. It can help parents and caregivers, too, by promoting happiness and relieving stress. This article from The New York Times offers basic tips for children and adults of all ages, as well as several activities that develop compassion, focus, curiosity and empathy.

Winter Safety for Kids


Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm.

Discipline Without Spanking


Spanking a child may increase aggression in a child, and may actually do long term harm to a child, says a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The use of spanking is also ineffective in teaching a child responsibility and self-control. Evidence shows it may actually cause harm by impacting a child's normal brain development.


Research has shown that striking a child, yelling at or shaming them can increase stress hormones and lead to changes to a child's brain. Harsh verbal abuse is also linked to mental health problems as children get older.


There are other methods that teach children right from wrong and are safer and more effective. Depending on the age and development of a child, other methods may include redirecting their attention, distraction, changing the subject, positive reinforcement, time out and natural consequences. Visit the PA Promise for Children website and watch the video below for resources related to parenting and discipline.


Contact your Early Learning Resource Center for more information about programs to support families in your community.

Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Professionals


Are you an early learning professional? The December Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Professionals is for you! December brings holidays to celebrate, and awareness weeks to help us stay healthy. Staying healthy begins with handwashing and the first week of December kicks off National Handwashing Awareness Week. Take a look and get activities and resources to support handwashing and ways to celebrate in your program throughout the month. 

Top Pins for Preschoolers


Let's go skating (inside)!

Winter time large motor play for the classroom or home

Build a snowman activity tray

Cute Christmas Penguin Crafts for Kids


Check out the Christmas is Calling or Happening Holidays Board!

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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to

high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 

  

Find more information about quality early learning in Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania Department of Education | Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

The Pennsylvania Key Pennsylvania's Promise for Children

Early Intervention Technical Assistance