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

Watch the video below on how how science skills develop from birth to 5 years old.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1

Watch the video to see how an understanding of engineering and technology develops from birth to 5 years old.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Play

Scientific concepts are a natural part of every baby's life. A combination of structured activities and free play will help babies discover what things are and how they work.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1

Whether you're looking for games to build your baby's language skills, or games to keep the young ones busy, here are some great play ideas for your infant.
Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning Goal CD-1
Busy Toddlers
Activities for children 1-3
Physical/Outdoor

Make these easy binoculars to take outdoors to explore the birds in your yard or playground.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge: Goal CD-8

After reading a book about birds nests, take a a long walk in the forest or park and find all kinds of treasures to add to a bird nest base made out of playdough. (leaves, twigs, etc)
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge: Goal CD-8
Science/Sensory

Looking for an easy sensory bin that is eco-friendly? Bird seed sensory bins are great fun. If you have small bird figurines you can add them for fun.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge: Goal CD-8

Make brown playdough for your base and children add the objects they gathered on their walk to make a bird nest.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge: Goal CD-8
Literacy/Math

Start by writing a letter on the whiteboard. Then, give your little one the spray bottle and encourage them to spray the letter on the board and make it disappear! 
Foundations For Reading Goal CLL-8

Make a shape sorting activity that uses oatmeal containers and a deck of card.
Mathematical Thinking and Expresion Goal CD-5
Social Emotional

Glitter jars are a
useful mindfulness tool at home and school. Watching the glitter swirl to the bottom of the jar gives kids time to calm down and regain control.
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4

Being kind and gentle with animals is a skill young children need help learning. Below is a lesson plan around the book. "Pat Them Gently".
Self-Regulation and Pro-Social Behaviors Goal SED-4
Hands-On Preschoolers
Activities for children 4-5
Physical/Outdoor

These 10 Fun Gross Motor Balloon Tennis games are sure to be a hit with the whole family or class. Each game is a great way to build kids gross motor skills too.
Motor Development Goal HPD-4

This super simple spring activity packs some wonderful skill practice for both hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. With artificial flowers and a colandar you can create a great fine motor tray activity that your preschooler will love!
Motor Development Goal HPD-5
Science/Sensory

With the bear sightings in the Black Hills of late maybe it's time for a Bear Hunt Sensory Activity.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
This is an easy, fun & inepensive experiment with baking soda and vinegar. Preschoolers love the Fizz, Bubble and Pop of this experiment.
Scientific Exploration and Knowledge Goal CD-8
Literacy/Math

This is a name tracing activity that has preschoolers tracing their name three times for a fun way to learn their name.
Foundations for Writing Goal CLL-10
You will need a bag of colorful feathers to make this bird color sorting, counting activity.
Mathematical Thinking and Expression Goal CD-6
Creative Arts

With warmer weather approaching plan a water balloon painting actvity outside.
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12

Mirror nature painting outside is one of those process art activities that are intriguing and fun. The reflection of the sky, or trees, in the mirror are so gorgeous. 
Creative Arts and Expression Goal CD-12