News for Black Hills Early Learners
Welcome to Early Childhood Connections as weekly contributors 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

Babies are fascinated by faces, connect with your baby by giving them lots of eye contact and making fun faces at them.
The process of object recognition starts very early in babies: Studies have shown that even newborns, with their eyesight limited to about 12 inches, can recognize a face, and, in fact, prefer to look at faces — especially Mom's. Once your infant begins to spend more time awake and alert, they will spend a great deal of time observing and studying the world around them, which promotes recognition of favorite toys, objects, people and, eventually, themselves.
Developing Relationships Goal SED-2
Play

For babies and young toddlers use simple books with simple pictures of faces and feelings. Babies will respond well to real faces, because of their fascination with facial structures.

Making your own family board book is also a fun and creative way for your baby to learn and identify important people in his or her life. Seeing the familiar faces of family and friends will attract them to the pages of the book, making it a great introduction to books and reading in general.
Developing Relationships Goal SED-2
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

The snowflake hop is a great winter gross motor game! You can print pre-made snowflakes or make your own.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4
Children as young as two can start to snip paper (and probably with an awkward-two handed grasp on the scissors!) And as their fine motor skills develop, will achieve more accuracy with scissor use. This winter themed Icicle cutting activity is a great beginner project for new scissor users. 
Motor Development HPD-5
Science/Sensory

The best thing about fizzy play dough is it’s really 3 different activities rolled into one. First, you have a soft and squishy play dough. Second, you have a fizzy reaction. Third, you get a sensory foam.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9

We don't have the real snow yet this winter but you can make your own! Experiment to see if you can make a snow storm in-a-jar!
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math

While you read a story to your child, you can have them clap along. Every time you mention a particular word (s), such as “polar bear,” your child must clap to the word. This is a great way to teach listening.
Foundations for Reading Goal CLL-7

Children learn through hands on activities. Here is an activity toddlers will enjoy while learning counting skills.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-4
Social Emotional

An emotional outburst of anger and frustration, a tantrum isn't a pretty sight. In addition to kicking, screaming, or pounding the floor, children's tantrums may include throwing things and hitting. Tantrums are normal and common, especially with 2- and 3-year-olds. Take heart – they typically occur much less frequently by age 4
Self-Regulation and Pro-
social Behavior Goal SED-4
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

Arctic animal yoga is a fun way to incorporate movement and yoga poses in. Don’t let the word yoga scare you. Anyone can do arctic animal yoga.
Motor Development HPD-4
Here is a pre-writing activity making snowflakes. Children trace straight lines and squeeze glue to strengthen their hand muscles.
Motor Development HPD-5
Science/Sensory

Children and adults alike enjoy slime. Add styrofoam bits to make Snow Floam for winter sensory bin.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Learn how to make frost on a can for an easy science activity you can share with the kids.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-9
Literacy/Math

Preschoolers can learn the letters in their name in this Scratch and Sniff Name Activity.
Foundations for Writing Goal CLL-10
This scarf activity will help preschoolers make and learn about patterns.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6
Creative Arts

Glue resist snowman art makes beautiful art as children enjoy the process.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

It is a sticky, gooey mess but fun. Make some icy salt paint with just glue and salt.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12