News for Black Hills Early Learners
Early Childhood Connections is a weekly contributor to Early Learning Activities
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

Held annually on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss Day is a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel – otherwise known by the pen name by which he authored children’s books: Dr. Seuss. In 1998, the National Education Association started Read Across America and decided to hold it on the same day as Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

Dr. Seuss books have been loved by many for decades. Read What Dr. Seuss Knew about Children's Brain Development
Foundations For Reading Goal CLL-4
Play

Show babies how to paint with their feet by using tempura paints and large sheet of paper. If your baby has sensitive skin try out the paint on a small spot on the foot first.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1

Sensory bags are safe and easy way to let babies explore. Some googly eyes and hair gel from a dollar store is what you need to create the Googly Eye Sensory Bag.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

A pencil, a scissors, and construction paper are all you need to have fun with this movement activity to ac The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

Get moving while reading Dr Seuss's ABCs book! You can get more than 26 gross motor ideas for kids to do! Each page is loads of fun for everyone.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Science/Sensory

Continue with the Foot Book theme and create Fizzy Footprints!
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8

Painting with corn syrup is an interesting sensory experience. Paint a fish bowl and add some fish.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Literacy/Math

Using the Dr. Seuss book Wacky Wednesday create an opportunity for children to observe some wacky changes in the classroom or adapt for home.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-2

Create a one fish two fish number matching game for toddlers.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Social Emotional

While celebrating Dr. Seuss don't forgot some of his books that teach kids social skills!
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4

My Many Colored Days rhyming story is a wonderful way for parents and teachers to talk with children about their feelings. Each day is described in terms of a particular color, which in turn is associated with specific emotions.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

Preschoolers work on developing their motor skills playing this Green Egg Relay game. Fill green plastic Easter eggs with rice (or use a real colored hard boil egg!). The kids carry it across the room on a soup spoon. When they get to the person on the other side they have to transfer it from their spoon to the other spoon.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
After reading Dr. Seuss's Go Dog Go teach toddlers the classic Red light Green light game.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Science/Sensory

Celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday with this easy and oh so awesome Dr Seuss slime to go along with the all time favorite The Cat In The Hat!
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Children are natural engineers. They love to design and build with almost anything they can get their hands on. Here is a simple Cat In A Hat Cup stacking activity to challenge your Jr. Engineers.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math

Red Fish Blue Fish is a fun and silly Dr. Seuss book for preschoolers. Create a simple alphabet matching game to go along with the book.
Foundations For Reading Goal CLL-8
The Foot Book is a classic Dr. Seuss book. Lots of rhyming and learning about opposites as you meet different feet! “How many, many feet you meet.” After reading the book use feet as a measuring tool.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-7
Creative Arts

There are so many favorite Dr. Seuss books! Read The Places You’ll Go and then invite the children to create a hot air balloon like the one in the story. In this open-ended activity, children can use a variety of art and craft supplies to create their own Hot Air Balloon Art Craft.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Here is a fun idea for shaking up the classic marble painting activity and add a Cat and the Hat twist.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12