When the temperatures drop, bring the educational fun indoors with these fun, easy activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
Many children feel an uncontrollable urge to fidget and move around. This need for movement is often a distraction to both the child and to those around the child. To meet this need, William DeMeo, PhD, author of When Nothing Else Works: What Early Childhood Professionals Can Do to Reduce Challenging Behaviors, recommends fidgets. Below, you will find instructions to construct your own fidget gel bag. The child can assist you in making this fidget toy, giving them a sense of pride and ownership over the toy.
SensoryTwo common forms of professional learning are professional learning communities (PLCs) and communities of practices (CoPs). Both PLCs and CoPs are groups of professionals who regularly come together to discuss ideas, gain knowledge, and improve their practices. Groups that interact respectfully also develop understanding and trust. Try this exercise from Lose the Lecture: Engaging Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Learning to start your group's process of building respect and trust.
Mentoring and CoachingSummer is a perfect time to experiment with open-ended outdoor activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Open-ended art projects that emphasize process over product help young children develop crucial skills as they interact with others and think creatively. Grab some sidewalk chalk, and try these DIY sidewalk chalk activities to get your preschoolers outside and immersed in play today.
Summer Learning Outdoor Learning ArtIn this child-driven exploration by Angela Eckhoff, PhD, author of Provoking Curiosity: Student-Led STEAM Learning for Pre-K to Third Grade, children are invited to conduct physical changes with everyday objects and to create collages using the materials they have manipulated.
Science“It’s a bug!” is a common phrase heard across all playgrounds as young children explore all those small creatures that walk, fly, and crawl. This provocation (child-driven exploration) by Angela Eckhoff, PhD, author of Provoking Curiosity: Student-Led STEAM Learning for Pre-K to Third Grade, draws children’s attention to the differences among bugs, insects, and arthropods as a means to build both life-science understandings and classification skills.
ScienceLooking for some activities that will keep young children stimulated, contribute to their physical and intellectual growth, and that you can enjoy and participate in as well? Try three activities from Banish Boredom by Rebecca Green.
Art ScienceHome, family, and community are the first experiences a young child has. Whether the neighborhood is new to you or not, it is less known to the toddlers. Go for a walk!
Summer Learning Outdoor Learning Infant & ToddlerPlay and learn wherever you go--on the road, in the air, out to dinner, or back at home! Go Anywhere Games for Babies is a handy little book packed with learning and bonding games designed for each stage of your baby’s first year.
Infant & ToddlerTake the tots outside and guide their innate spirit of adventure! Nature bracelets are easy to make and a perfect activity for hikes or camping.
Movement and Play Outdoor Learning Infant & ToddlerCreate sparkle ice sculptures and even fake snow with hands-on activities to entertain kids in and out of the classroom.
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