Movement activities for young children help to enrich and develop motor skills, cognitive skills, and social skills by improving blood and oxygen flow—which aids in cerebral development and brain function. Gryphon House Publishing’s activities focus on keeping children of all ages engaged and active in order to continually explore their world, and learn to fully express themselves by showcasing their unique personalities.
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Check out these alternative block play ideas from The Thrifty Teacher’s Guide to Creative Learning Centers, and watch as children develop creative expression, problem solving, social interactions, language use, and more!
Movement and Play MathTake your children outside and guide their innate spirit of curiosity and adventure! This simple nature bracelet activity will elevate your nature walks to an immersive investigation of nature. “Nature bracelets are easy to make and a perfect activity for hikes or camping,” shares Erin Buhr, MEd, in her book Little Walks, Big Adventures: 50+ Ideas for Exploring with Toddlers.
Movement and Play Outdoor Learning Infant & ToddlerLearning centers are a great way to "set the stage" for dramatic play with the setting, props, and even costumes. In this dramatic play learning center, children can pretend to be vets by helping their stuffed animals. Through dramatic play, children gain social-emotional skills, language and oral skills, motor skills, confidence, and more. Get the book The GIANT Encyclopedia Of Learning Center Activities For Children 3 to 6 for fresh new learning center ideas from teachers who have used them in their own classrooms!
printable Movement and Play Literacy Language Social Emotional Large GroupSometimes when it rains, children may feel cooped up and exhibit challenging behaviors. Teachers have to create their own sunshine inside by finding ways to keep children active and engaged indoors. Help children create their own sunshine band hats & form their own sunshine band to chase away the clouds and rain with this activity! The noise may wake up the whole school, but marching is a good way to stimulate the brain and have some active fun. For more ideas that make being stuck inside fun, get the book Rainy Day Activities by Dr. Jean Feldman.
Movement and Play Seasonal Learning: WinterDuring winter, or any other time where there is inclement weather that keeps children indoors, it can be difficult to find ways to keep children entertained, learning, and focusing their energy in positive ways. Not to fear! Banish Boredom is here! Check out these three activities from the book that you can save for a day with inclement weather to create some excitement indoors!
Movement and Play Art Lesson Planning Science Seasonal Learning: WinterErin Buhr, MEd, author of Little Walks, Big Adventures: 50+ Ideas for Exploring with Toddlers, shares: "One of my favorite (and only) memories of my preschool experience was when we had a beach party inside our classroom. When I became a teacher, I knew this was something I wanted to attempt to duplicate. This is good, silly pretend play." Learn how to create this memorable indoor beach day with your little ones with the instructions below, and find more ideas for adventures with toddlers in Little Walks, Big Adventures!
Movement and Play Summer Learning Infant & Toddler SensoryFeatured in The Possibilities of Play: Imaginative Learning Centers for Children Ages 3-6, by Dr. Jean Feldman and Carolyn Kisloski, this learning center activity is a perfect opportunity to practice observation, predicting, and vocabulary. Facilitating exploration and observation through play in young children allows them to develop concepts about science and nature, all while having fun!
Movement and Play Science SensoryFeatured in The Possibilities of Play: Imaginative Learning Centers for Children Ages 3-6, by Dr. Jean Feldman and Carolyn Kisloski, this learning center activity is a perfect opportunity to practice observation, creativity, and small-motor skills.
Program Administration Movement and Play Summer Learning Outdoor Learning ArtFeatured in The Possibilities of Play: Imaginative Learning Centers for Children Ages 3-6, by Dr. Jean Feldman and Carolyn Kisloski, this learning center activity is a perfect opportunity to develop oral language and social skills.
Program Administration Movement and Play Summer Learning Social EmotionalMovement activities for preschoolers create a rich learning experience. Brain research shows how movement supports cognitive development in young children and that it should be a primary element in the early childhood curriculum. From using music education to aid speech development, to improving strength and dexterity through handwriting exercises, Gryphon House Publishing has developed a variety of activities that will help your child active and learning on the go. To learn more about our movement & play exercises, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest—or contact us today!
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