News for Black Hills Early Learners
We are here to bring you fun activities for any child ages 0-5 years. We hope you find this useful and helpful during this very unusual time. Happy learning!

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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

Watch this video from Zero to Three to see how an understanding of spatial awareness develops from birth to 5 years old.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
This video from Zero to Three will show how shape awareness develops from birth to 5 years old.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-5
Play

All you need is a muffin tin and some toilet paper tubes to make a muffin tin sorting activity.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6

Making a conscious effort to include basic math in your everyday conversations with infants can help them start to understand early math concepts.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

Fun motor activity that helps toddlers learn to run from base to base as they try to beat a stuffed animal.
Physical Health and Growth Goal HPD-2
Create a leaf stamp from a potato and let your toddler(s) create fall colored art while developing their small muscles.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

Add cranberries to water bin and investigate change, test out sink or float, and practice fine motor skills with a variety of kitchen tools.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

Cinnamon scented fall colored rice sensory bins will keep your kids engaged and stimulate their senses.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Literacy/Math

Whether you are looking for some great toddler books on Fall to add to your library or find at your local library, check out these 10 wonderful books.
Foundations for Reading Goal CLL-4

Shape art is one perfect activity because it includes math and the creative arts!
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-5
Creative Arts and Expression Goal

Social Emotional
Make expressing gratitude a ritual Here are a few gratitude activities for home and can be adapted for all Early Care environments:
  • Take turns at mealtime sharing one awesome thing from your day;
  • At bedtime, say three things you appreciate about each other;
  • At the beginning of each week share one nice thing you will do for someone during the week.
Developing a Positive Sense of Self Goal SED-1
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

With this game preschoolers can practice Soccer goalie skills.
Physical Health and Growth Goal HPD-2
Combine water play and a fine motor activity by "bobbing" for apples using tongs.
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory
Cranberry structures make a perfect, quick Thanksgiving science activity to let your child test their engineering skills.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

Check out this liquid density STEM activity. Fun for Fall or anytime.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Literacy/Math
Predictable charts are a great way to incorporate literacy into the preschool classroom. Use this "We are Thankful" predictable chart to give preschoolers an authentic experience that helps them build concepts of print.
Foundations of Writing Goal CLL-9

This sidewalk chalk number line activity is great because all you need is some sidewalk chalk and sidewalk to let the math fun begin.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Motor Development Goal HPD-6
Creative Arts

This gratitude activity for preschoolers is a good start in teaching about gratitude. It’s just the right combination of messy, crafty art making and a solid lesson on what it means to give thanks and why gratitude is important.
Developing a Positive Sense of Self Goal SED-1

Turn crumpled pieces of paper into colorful artwork in this fun art project for kids. This easy art activity is inspired by the children’s book, Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds! 
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12
Foundations of Reading Goal CLL-5