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!
The Value of Self Care for Adults Caring for Young Children
During our Child Care Virtual Networking Event we learned the importance of self care and mindfulness. Zero to Three has created a toolkit to help you learn more about the case for implementing mindfulness techniques into your daily work and organizational culture.

Infant Corner
Activities for children under 1
Development
This short video will explain the skills and behaviors you can expect from your baby at every stage from birth to 3.

If you have concerns about your babies development contact
Play
Use an empty diaper box and create a fun “pull along” toy and safe place for baby to sit.
Play Sound Sleuth with babies in your care. Link to Activity Here
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

The easiest toddler water activity that strengthens fine motor skills squeezing basters.

Observe bees and look at books about bees. Then make arm bees and let toddlers buzz around. Link to Activity Here

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Science/Sensory
Put a blob of paint on paper and let your toddler paint with a comb.
Rice and Ice Sensory Activity is a fun activity that provides an opportunity to play with rhyming words, explore 
scientific concepts and learn about primary color mixing.
Literacy/Math
Next time you go out on the playground use the opportunity to go on a shape hunt. Link to Activity Here

Check out Reading Rockets research-based Literacy information that was collected especially for preschool teachers as well as parents. Link to Reading Rockets Preschool and Child Care page Here
Creative Arts
Collect fall leaves for a simple nature craft. Add googly eyes and transform them into monsters. Link to Activity Here

Make a thin sheet of ice on a try and let your toddlers paint on it.
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor
Inexpensive PVC pipe cut to various lengths and an assortment of fittings, such as T’s and end caps will keep a preschooler busy creating structures and games. Link to Activity Here

To develop Fine-motor skills give kids some mini marshmallows and toothpicks and watch as they attach them to make sculptures. Link to Activity Here
Science/Sensory
Lisa Murphy, better known as the Ooey Gooey Lady and her company Ooey Gooey, Inc. is dedicated to the creation of child-centered, hands-on, play-based environments for young children. Check out her handout Ooey Gooey® Squishy Plop! Sensory Play for Every Day!
Literacy/Math
Pre-Writing Activities with Squishy Bags is a great way to target writing skills without using paper and pencils. It is providing a fun and exciting way to invite children to practice writing letters

Scholastic Ready-to-Use teaching Idea: Math/Block Building. Use the blocks in your program to teach math concepts. Link to Activities Here
Creative Arts
If possible do this messy Paint Splat Art Activity Outside.

Before painting enjoy the book I Ain't Gonna Paint No More