News for Black Hills Early Learners
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

Between 6 months and a year you really notice changes in babies motor development. These have developed so much in the past months that your baby can now sit (on average 6 ½ months), crawl (on average 9-10 months) and is busy taking their first steps (first unaided steps on average at 12-14 months). What is interesting about the gross motor skills is that they develop in the order of head to toe!
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Play

Set up this simple obstacle course in your living room or classroom using pillows, cushions and blankets.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

Once your baby can sit up this Cool whip sensory play is safe and edible. Add food coloring and/or freeze for a different sensory experience for your baby.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

Developing gross motor skills can get lively with this version of polar bear polar bear turn around.
Motor Development Goal HDP-4
Strength in the hand muscles is a fine motor skill that is necessary for so many tasks.
This foil activity is a fun way to develop the hand muscles and improve fine motor strength. If you have a mixed age group the older children can cut the tin foil into squares.
Motor Development HPK-5
Science/Sensory

For an interesting texture and feel create snow foam for toddlers to explore.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8

Make your own non-toxic snow paint with water, salt and flour to use to paint snowmen.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math

"Polar Bear What Do You Hear?" is a beloved book and a great opportunity to introduce new language and make your own animal sounds.

Foundations for Reading Goal CLL-4

Matching is one of the earliest math concepts developed in children. Make a mitten matching game to give toddlers a chance to explore and match.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-7
Social Emotional

Follow the leader is a classic game that is perfect for all ages and learning to follow directions. Choose one person to be the leader. With younger children due to language barriers, it might work best to be the leader in the beginning or just use physical cues. Have the leader "call out" or "act out" movements the kids must follow exactly.
Self Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4

Not hitting, is a vital skill to learn, especially for toddlers. You can create a song about what hands are for, including hand motions. Add things like Hands are for waving, clapping, drawing, hugging, and more. Look for more ideas in the "Hands Are Not For Hitting" book by Martine Agassi Ph.D.
Self Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-3
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

Use large polar prints to get your preschooler moving while learning facts about polar bears.
Motor Development Goal HDP-4
Though every child will end up settling on a pencil grip that works best for him or her, introducing the standard “tripod” grasp (pinching with thumb and index finger while resting on middle finger) is a good place to start. However, this can seem virtually impossible when you’re dealing with five- and six-year-olds who don’t even know their left from right, let alone how to divide up their fingers into different positions. Link below for 3 simple steps to help children hold a pencil.
Motor Development Goal HDP-5
Science/Sensory
Make your own fake snow with baking soda and hair conditioner.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

These bird seed ornaments are really easy to make! Studying nature and natural life is a rewarding science activity to set up for kids, and learning how to care for and give back to nature is equally important. Make your own super simple bird seed ornaments and add this fun bird watching activity to your kid’s day!
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math
After reading and learning facts about polar bears ask children the question "Would a polar bear be a good pet?". Record the answers on a sheet of paper or board. Discuss with the children the reasons why a polar bear would not be a good pet i.e., eats lots of seals, claws, dangerous for humans, they might hurt us, like icy cold weather.
Foundations of Reading Goal CLL-5

With some cotton balls and tongs invite children to count snowballs.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Creative Arts

Here is a process art activity that also gives you a final piece of art related to the "Polar Bear What Do You Hear?" book.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Paint snow with watercolors. Too cold to go outside, bring the snow indoors.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12