At Home Learning Activities by Age
– from SSNHC Resource Room
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6/22/20
Infants
- Introduce one to one correspondence with this activity
- Try this action song activity
- Try one of these simple games
Toddlers
- Use popsicle sticks to learn shapes
- Encourage independent play with this activity
- Use household objects for this line up activity
Preschoolers
- Introduce measurement with this jumping activity
- Introduce calendar days and counting with this activity
- Try this sorting activity using construction paper and household objects or toys
6/18/20
Infants
- Build language skill with this activity
- Work on hand-eye coordination with this activity
- Try one of these simple activities
Toddlers
- Use feathers or pipe cleaners for this fine motor activity
- Introduce shapes with this easy activity
- Use tape for this indoor movement activity
Preschoolers
- Explore your sense of hearing with this activity
- Work on number recognition with this gross motor number line activity
- Build fine motor skills with this letter recognition game
6/17/20
Infants
- Try this simple activity using household objects
- Try one of these simple activities
- Try this mess free art activity
Toddlers
- Build language skills with this gross motor activity. All you need is a piece of string
- Work on fine motor skills with this activity
- Try this indoor gross motor activity using tape
Preschoolers
- Work on letter recognition and fine motor skills with this activity using rocks
- Try this indoor version of basketball to build gross motor skills
- Explore color theory with this nature color wheel activity
6/16/20
Infants
- Try this simple floor time activity
- Use a muffin tin for this activity
- Build fine motor skills with this tape pull activity. Adaptations for toddlers included!
Toddlers
- Build fine motor skills with this activity using cards
- Build social and emotional skills with this rhyming song activity
- Use pine cones and rubber bands for this fine motor activity
Preschoolers
- Try this large-scale lacing activity using a laundry basket
- Work on letter recognition and introduce stars and constellations with this activity
- Trace letters using pom-poms in this activity
6/12/20
Infants
- Try this simple activity using party streamers
- Use a coffee can or shoebox for this fine motor activity
- Use a bedsheet for this infant activity. It can be adapted for older children as well!
Toddlers
- Use tape for this fine motor art activity
- Try this art activity with multiple children to practice teamwork and collaboration
- Introduce letters with this sensory activity
Preschoolers
- Work on letter recognition with this gross motor activity using post it notes
- Try this color mixing activity
- Work on shape recognition and tracing skills with this outdoor activity
6/10/20
Infants
- Build language skills with this activity
- Place play dough in a Ziploc bag for this sensory activity
- Try one of these tummy time variations
Toddlers
- Practice letter recognition with this simple activity
- Use scarves to work on balance with this activity
- Use cardboard and Popsicle sticks for this fine motor activity
Preschoolers
- Build science skills and practice setting the table with this activity
- Try this clapping game to introduce counting syllables
- Try this fun movement activity based on the book Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin. Listen here.
6/9/2020
Infants
- Introduce simple directions with this activity
- Try this sensory nature activity
- Use an empty wipes container and jar lids for this activity
Toddlers
- Work on balance with this gross motor activity
- Try out on of these activity ideas using blocks
- Work on shape recognition with this shape hunt activity
Preschoolers
- Work on letter recognition with this activity using rocks and cars
- Use magazines for this matching game with different variations
- Use empty paper tubes for this art activity
6/8/20
Infants
- Try these variations on peek-a-boo for older infants
- Try one of these simple games while getting your infant dressed
- Try this easy sensory activity
Toddlers
- Use cotton balls and an empty wipes container for this fine motor activity
- Try this simple activity to help build fine and gross motor skills
- Have toddlers clean their toys with this outdoor activity
Preschoolers
- Practice counting with this easy game
- Try this STEM activity using blocks and shaving cream
- Try this social and emotional activity based on the book On Monday When It Rained by Cherryl Kachenmeister. Listen here.
6/5/20
Infants
- Work on name recognition with this activity
- Use blocks in this art activity catered towards infants
- Try this sensory activity for infants starting to kick their feet
Toddlers
- Use tape for this easy gross motor activity
- Try this social and emotional game. No materials necessary
- Use sponges for this fine motor paint activity
Preschoolers
- Build literacy skills with this simple activity
- Use blocks for this ring toss activity
- Try this shadow tower challenge
6/3/20
Infants
- Collect household items with holes or small openings for this activity
- Use yarn in this sensory activity
- Use empty egg cartons for this activity
Toddlers
- Work on color recognition with this gross motor activity
- Use pompoms and pipe cleaners for this sensory activity exploring circles
- Use popsicle sticks and cars for this fine motor activity
Preschoolers
- Use rubber bands and pinecones for this fine motor activity
- Introduce measurement with this scavenger hunt activity
- Work on number recognition using toy cars
6/2/20
Infants
- Explore loud noises with this activity
- Use shaving cream and paint for this sensory art activity
- Use yarn and an empty wipes container for this fine motor activity
Toddlers
- Use an empty cereal box, or similar, for this easy activity
- Try this sensory activity using shaving cream
- Use pine cones for this fine motor art activity
Preschoolers
- Work ripping and tearing skills with this magazine “scavenger hunt” activity
- Try this variation of a classic song to build social and emotional skills
- Work on letter or number recognition with this quiet time activity
6/1/20
Infants
- Try this gross motor activity with infants that are starting to walk
- Support visual development with this activity
- Try this sensory activity for older infants
Toddlers
- Try this simple observation game. No materials necessary
- Introduce shapes with this sensory activity
- Use clothespins to build fine motor skills
Preschoolers
- Introduce days of the week with this jumping jack activity
- Use paper cups to practice counting
- Use paper plates to create fun sculptures
5/29/20
Infants
- Try this simple activity to introduce the concept of sharing to your infant
- Try this unwrapping activity using puzzle pieces
- Practice sitting and fine motor skills with this infant activity
Toddlers
- Use yarn and a laundry basket for this activity. Can be adapted for younger or older children.
- Build language skills with this simple activity. No materials necessary!
- Try this color sorting activity using tape and different colored objects
Preschoolers
- Introduce rhyming words with this simple activity
- Explore ice and rocks with this outdoor activity
- Build math skills with this leaf, scavenger hunt game based on the book Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. Listen here.
5/28/20
Infants
- Collect household items for this activity
- Try this activity to help your infant practice sitting
- Use yarn for this sensory activity
Toddlers
- Build social and emotional skills with this action song activity
- Use pom-poms for this sensory activity
- Try this fine motor challenge that easily transitions to a musical activity!
Preschoolers
- Try this easy movement activity exploring wind strength
- Use shower curtain rings for this math activity
- Try this outdoor art activity exploring shadows!
5/27/20
Infants
- All you need is a window for this reflection activity!
- Build social and emotional skills with this bedtime activity
- Try one of these three action songs for babies
Toddlers
- Build fine motor skills with this activity
- Use Velcro and pom-poms for this activity
- Work on fine motor skills with this activity using pipe cleaners and any toys or small household objects. If you don’t have pipe cleaners, you can use string or rubber bands!
Preschoolers
- Try this stretching activity for relaxation and flexibility
- Introduce sight words with this outdoor movement activity
- Use cotton balls for this fine motor art activity
5/22/20
Infants
- Practice balance and walking with this activity
- Try one of these infant ball games
- Use a muffin tin and empty paper towel rolls for this activity
Toddlers
- Introduce “action words” with this simple activity
- Try this “roll the ball” learning activity
- Work on color recognition with this toy car color sorting activity
Preschoolers
- Try this social and emotional activity exploring feelings
- Try one of these learning activities using a pair of shoes!
- Use leaves in this size sorting activity
5/21/20
Infants
- Try this newspaper sensory play activity
- Work on object permanence with this activity
- Develop gross motors skills with this kicking activity
Toddlers
- Use stuffed animals for this social and emotional activity
- Use caps and lids for this sensory play activity
- Place toys or objects in zip lock bags for this fine motor activity
Preschoolers
- Work on color recognition and gross motor skills with this hopping activity
- Trace a baby doll or favorite toy for this activity
- Explore Big and Small with this outdoor activity
- 5/20/20
Infants
- Work on hand-eye coordination with this simple activity
- Try this baby safe sensory activity
- Use a flashlight and household containers for this baby play activity
Toddlers
- Build strength in hands and fingers with this simple activity
- Develop fine motor skills with clothespins with this activity
- Use post it notes and a puzzle for this fine motor activity
Preschoolers
- Introduce “opposites” with this gross motor activity
- Use cardboard and yarn for this fine motor activity
- Work on color recognition using toy cars with this activity
5/19/20
Infants
- Strengthen muscles with this simple activity; all you need is a blanket
- Try this tummy time activity for teething infants
- Use household objects for this stacking activity
Toddlers
- Help toddlers understand pictures as symbols for real life objects with this easy activity
- Use baby dolls and shaving cream for this sensory play activity
- Build fine motor skills with this post it note activity
Preschoolers
- Use toys or household objects to “trace” letters in this activity
- Try this easy activity to help build pride and self-confidence
- Work on letter recognition with this gross motor game; it can be played indoors or outdoors!
5/18/20
Infants
- Try this easy activity for infants learning to stand up on their own.
- Try this no mess color mixing activity for infants
- Try this easy post-it activity for babies who are sitting or standing independently
Toddlers
- Explore quiet and loud with this activity
- Work on fine motor skills with this easy dot sticker activity
- Use recycled items for this easy activity
Preschoolers
- Work on fine motor skills with this threading activity using straws and flowers
- Try this outdoor nature collage activity
- Use a muffin tin for this nature scavenger hunt
5/15/20
Infants
- Help your infant explore their sense of hearing with this activity
- Work on gross motor skills with this activity
- Use an empty diaper box for this easy fine motor activity
Toddlers
- Try this simple matching activity
- Try this car painting activity
- Use pom-poms for this easy color matching activity
Preschoolers
- Use materials found in nature for this activity
- Introduce math skills with this game that can be done with any type of playing cards!
- Try this drawing and dictation activity to help children verbalize their ideas.
5/13/20
Infants
- Try this simple activity using rattles
- Try this simple ball drop activity
- Here are simple games to encourage crawling
Toddlers
- Use paper plates and crayons for this dramatic play activity. If you don’t have paper plates, you can cut out circles out of any paper!
- Introduce body parts with this movement activity
- Develop gross motor skills with this line movement activity based on the book Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. Listen here.
Preschoolers
- Build fine motor skills and work on color recognition with this tissue paper art activity
- Use blocks for this indoor shadow tracing activity
- Build gross motor skills with one of these race ideas!
5/12/20
Infants
- Explore “Sticky” with this sensory activity
- Try this fine motor sensory activity using a muffin tin and ice!
- Work on fine motor skills with this Velcro activity
Toddlers
- Develop hand-eye coordination with this ball rolling activity
- Build fine motor skills with this straw threading activity
- Use an empty egg carton for this outdoor color matching activity
Preschoolers
- This indoor volleyball activity helps build gross motor skills
- Try this sink or float challenge using toys or household items
- Explore the sense of touch with this sensory activity
5/11/20
Infants
- Introduce body parts with this simple social and emotional activity. No materials necessary
- Try this simple sensory activity exploring cold sensations
- Develop gross motor skill and object permanence with these 2 activities
Toddlers
- Use household activities for this symbolic play activity
- Introduce emotions with this activity
- Develop fine motor skills with this aluminum foil, painting activity
Preschoolers
- Place objects from nature in a box for this sensory activity
- Make paper flowers bloom with this science activity
- Try this easy color matching activity. If you don’t have paint chips, you can use construction paper or swatch crayons or markers on white paper!
5/8/20
Infants
- Help your infant practice reaching for objects with this activity!
- Work on gross motor control with this “flying” activity
- Help develop fine and gross motor skills with this activity
Toddlers
- This simple dramatic play activity helps build social and emotional skills
- Use empty bottles for this gross motor bowling activity
- Work on fine motor skills with this easy art activity. All you need are markers and a paper towel
Preschoolers
- This dramatic play activity helps children build empathy
- Try one of these activities to help your child recognize their name!
- Try this fun gross motor activity based on the book Jump, Frog, Jump! by Robert Kalan. Listen here.
5/7/20
Infants
- Work on gross motor skills and grasping skills with this easy activity
- Use household items for this easy baby activity
- Work on object permanence with this easy activity
Toddlers
- This shadow tag activity can be played indoors or outdoors!
- Try this easy bubble blowing activity
- Build fine motor skills with this tearing activity
Preschoolers
- Try this activity where kids make blues music with household items, or with their bodies!
- All you need is aluminum foil and pennies for this STEM challenge
- Try this social and emotional activity that challenges kids to use their hands to express themselves
5/6/20
Infants
- Build gross motor skills with this activity
- Use battery operated lights, or a flashlight and a plastic jar for this sensory activity!
- Develop fine motor skills with this simple Velcro activity
Toddlers
- Try this easy social and emotional activity
- Work on color recognition with this indoor color scavenger hunt
- Build fine motor skills with this play dough maze. This activity can be done individually or with multiple children!
Preschoolers
- Work on letter recognition and gross motor skills with this indoor obstacle course activity
- Try this simple science game about Venus flytraps!
- Work on number recognition with this easy activity.
5/5/20
Infants
- Try this mess free baby painting activity using marbles and a Tupperware container.
- Use a sheet of tissue paper for this simple kicking activity
- Try this gross motor activity using a pillow or beach ball
Toddlers
- This easy gross motor activity is based on the book “Little Excavator” by Anna Dewdney. Listen here.
- Try this scooping and transferring activity using toys and kitchen tools
- Build fine motor skills with this art activity that uses glue as paint
Preschoolers
- Use blocks to “measure” with this easy activity
- Explore patterns and textures with this art activity
- This outdoor painting activity helps introduce science and math concepts
5/4/20
Infants
- Develop fine motor skills with this activity
- Try this social and emotional activity for infants
- Explore nature with this sensory activity
Toddlers
- Work on gross motor control with this activity
- Use straws and cardboard rubes for this fine motor activity
- Work on number recognition with this activity using playing cards
Preschoolers
- Try this simple sticker matching activity. If you don’t have stickers, you can draw simple objects/shapes instead!
- Try this easy STEM play dough activity based on the book “Square” by Mac Barnett Listen here.
- Explore the sense of hearing with this simple classification activity. No materials necessary!
4/30/20
Infants
- Try these two simple activities for infant’s still learning to sit up
- Try one of these simple ball games for infants
- Here are 3 simple activities to try with your infant
Toddlers
- Introduce letter recognition with this gross motor letter hopping activity
- Work on object permanence with this simple activity
- All you need is water and scrap paper for this sensory activity
Preschoolers
- Try one of these three gross motor challenges
- Use a ramp and balls as painting tools in this outdoor art activity
- Use materials from your recycling bin for this STEM activity based on the book “The Do-Nothing Machine” by Sharon MacDonald Listen Here.
4/29/20
Infants
- Try this “Hot and Cold” sensory exploration for infants
- This “sledding” activity helps build gross motor skills
- Use old magazines for this baby play activity
Toddlers
- Use play dough and pipe cleaners or beads for some fine motor practice
- Use household items for this sorting activity
- Use a Ziploc bag and shaving cream for this activity encouraging first marks
Preschoolers
- Try this STEM button counting activity with a twist. Children will use their toes to pick up buttons!
- All you need is a straw and some water for this water racing activity
- Here are three simple science challenges for shadow exploration
4/28/20
Infants
- Use a book as an infant sized ramp for this activity
- These two simple activities will help develop your infant’s sense of touch and hearing. No materials necessary
- Try this easy sensory exploration using cotton balls
Toddlers
- Try this mess-free, gross motor art activity!
- Build gross motor skills with this easy “chasing” activity
- Use stuffed animals and bowls for this simple math activity based on the book “Good Night Gorilla” by Peggy Rathman! Listen here.
Preschoolers
- Develop social and emotional skills with this flag making activity
- Try this sorting activity using items found in nature!
- This color sorting activity is based on the book “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons” by Eric Litwin. Listen here.
4/27/20
Infants
- Promote social and emotional development with this simple activity. No materials necessary!
- Build gross motor skills with this kicking activity
- Help build muscle strength with these 3 easy infant games.
Toddlers
- Try this musical activity using scarves!
- Work on shape recognition with this aluminum foil shape art activity
- Use toy cars as painting tools in this art activity!
Preschoolers
- Try this easy social and emotional activity based on the book “When I Was Little” by Jamie Lee Curtis. Listen to it here.
- Here are two simple self-help activities for your preschooler
- Use a tin can or metal bucket for this simple STEM activity exploring echoes
4/23/20
Infants
- Try this mirroring activity to promote social and emotional health in infants!
- Use plastic cups for this gross motor game
- Use various pillows for this gross motor infant climbing activity
Toddlers
- Use a flashlight to explore shadows with this activity
- Work on balance with this easy activity. All you need is a laundry basket or similarly sized container
- Use stickers for this fine motor activity
Preschoolers
- Try this fun gross motor hopping activity! Various ways to tailor this activity to your child’s interests/strengths are included.
- This social and emotional activity will help your child learn to recognize their feelings
- All you need is a mirror for this easy observation activity that can accompany the book “Is Your Mama a Llama” by Deborah Guarino. Listen to the book read as a song for a fun twist here.
4/22/20
Infants
- Work on object permanence with this easy activity
- Introduce music to a game of peekaboo with this activity
- Try this simple ball rolling game with infants starting to sit up independently
Toddlers
- Use a baking/cookie sheet for this storm sound activity
- Build fine motor skills with this toy parade activity
- Use rubber bands or hair ties and a cardboard tube for this simple fine motor challenge
Preschoolers
- Work on color recognition and spend time outdoors with this nature art activity!
- Work on self-expression with this activity
- Create animal track stamps with some common household items
4/21/20
Infants
- Try one of these two simple games with your infant. No materials necessary!
- Use a bowl and a ball for this easy fine motor activity
- This simple sensory activity just uses a little bit of tape
Toddlers
- Work on balance with this simple challenge
- Develop social and emotional skills with this singing activity
- Use a whisk and some ribbon or fabric scraps for some fine motor practice
Preschoolers
- Use non-breakable cups for this activity
- Build math skills with this counting activity. Can be done indoors or outdoors!
- Try this movement activity based on the book “Antarctic Antics” by Judy Sierra. Listen Here.
4/20/20
Infants
- For crawling infants, try this easy “climbing” activity
- Use plastic wrap for no mess painting with infants!
- Develop hand eye coordination with this swatting activity
Toddlers
- Use a comb as a painting tool with this fine motor art activity
- Try this easy, springtime, action rhyme activity!
- This fine motor activity uses a large, empty spice container
Preschoolers
- Use toothpicks and play dough to learn about shapes!
- Try this storytelling activity that can be done anywhere!
- This gross motor treasure hunt activity is based on the book “Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea” by Jan Peck. Listen Here.
4/17/20
Infants
- Use a muffin tin and interesting objects and toys for this sensory activity. This can be either a seated or a tummy time activity!
- Here are two simple sensory activities for infants
- Use a blanket to strengthen your infant’s muscles with this activity
Toddlers
- Try this mess free sensory walk activity that uses household objects
- This sensory activity uses all natural materials you can find outdoors!
- Try this movement activity to develop self-regulation and self-awareness skills
Preschoolers
- Explore music through movement with this activity. You can play recorded music, play a musical instrument yourself, or use a homemade instrument!
- Practice scissor-cutting skills with this simple activity using a toilet paper roll and paper!
- This science activity explores gravity and can accompany the book “Chicken Little” by Steven Kellog. Listen here.
4/16/20
Infants
- This tummy-time, painting activity uses a Ziploc bag to keep it mess free!
- Build upper body strength with this simple movement activity
- Use a pillowcase and parchment paper for this simple sensory activity
Toddlers
- Practice word recognition with this flashlight game.
- Practice color recognition and fine motor skills with this paper tunnel activity
- Work on fine motor skills with this taped toys activity
Preschoolers
- Use recycled materials to create art and introduce geometric concepts!
- Try this easy art activity with paper and crayons
- This easy science activity helps children remember handwashing techniques and accompanies the book “Harry the Dirty Dog” by Gene Zion. Listen here.
4/15/20
Infants
- Try this simple hot and cold exploration using water bottles.
- Build muscle strength with this tummy time activity using aluminum foil
- Help develop hand control and decision making skills with this activity
Toddlers
- Build math skills with this simple finger rhyming activity
- Work on fine motor skills with this activity using junk mail
- Try this movement activity based on the book “Quick as a Cricket” by Audrey Wood Listen here.
Preschoolers
- Introduce weather concepts with this cloud watching activity. All you need is a cloudy day!
- Try this movement activity based on the book “Waiting for Wings” by Lois Ehlert. Listen here.
- Explore sound and vibration with this experiment using a spoon and string
4/14/20
Infants
- Work on hand eye coordination with this gentler version of catch using scarves!
- Here are various simple activities to try during mirror play with your infant!
- Build fine motor skills with this tape peeling activity
Toddlers
- Save junk mail for this fine motor activity
- Try this color sorting activity using crayons
- Use empty boxes as giant blocks in this STEM activity
Preschoolers
- Practice healthy habits with this teeth-brushing activity using an ice cube tray and string!
- Build memory skills with this easy activity using household items or toys.
- Develop word building and fine motor skills with this easy block activity
4/13/20
Infants
- Try this simple pointing activity to build your infants vocabulary
- This fine motor activity uses an empty wipes container and your infant’s favorite toys
- Here are 5 simple infant games you can play using soft blocks
Toddlers
- Try this version of musical chairs using stuffed animals. Adaptations can be made if you are playing with only one child!
- Introduce simple science concepts with bubbles
- All you need for this outdoor sensory activity is some water, dirt and toys!
Preschoolers
- Try this easy map activity to introduce geography concepts and familiarize your child with their home and surroundings
- Build social and emotional skills with this activity using a picture frame and dry erase markers
- Build a shelter indoors with this activity based on the book “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson! Listen here.
4/9/20
Infants
- Take your infant on a “touch tour” around your home.
- Try this high chair activity to build fine motor skills.
- Use a high chair tray for water play with this fine motor activity.
Toddlers
- Build fine motor skills with this threading activity. All you need is a shoelace and empty thread spools or empty paper towel/toilet paper tubes.
- This doll bath activity can be done indoors or outdoors
- Try one of these 3 simple activities to help your toddler explore emotions
Preschoolers
- Build math skills with this color counting activity
- Preschoolers can get creative with this masking tape speedway activity!
- Try this movement song activity based on the book “and then it’s spring” by Julie Fogliano. Listen to it here.
4/8/20
Infants
- All you need is some yarn or string and your infant’s favorite toys/objects for this activity. Can be adapted for mobile and non-mobile infants!
- Gather soft toys and objects for this sensory activity
- Here are three simple infant games to help develop motor and hearing skills
Toddlers
- Try this easy dress up challenge. Can be done with one child, or multiple children!
- Here are four simple activities to encourage teamwork and cooperation using either household items, or no materials at all
- Work on fine motor skills with this simple sticker line activity
Preschoolers
- Try this marble painting activity. Use a box to contain the mess, or take this activity outdoors!
- Use sand/dirt and marbles or balls to create moon craters with this STEM activity
- Try this scavenger hunt activity based on the book “Tap the Magic Tree” by Christie Matheson Listen here
4/7/20
Infants
- Wrap up an empty box for this easy fine motor, unwrapping activity!
- Work on hand eye coordination and object permanence with this “in and out” activity
- Encourage first marks with this outdoor activity
Toddlers
- Try this pretend play activity to practice manners
- Build math skills with this simple card sorting activity
- Try this movement activity based on the book “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter. Listen to the book here.
Preschoolers
- Introduce the concepts of teamwork and helping with this simple activity. It can be done with one child, or multiple children!
- Explore symmetry with this painting activity
- Build math skills with this movement activity that can be done indoors or outdoors.
4/6/20
Infants
- Introduce body part names to your infant with this easy game!
- Try this easy infant game using two different sized stuffed animals!
- If your infant is crawling, try this gross motor activity
Toddlers
- Try this hugging activity with your toddler to help them explore and address big emotions.
- Introduce measurement concepts with this length hunt activity
- Introduce the concept of “up and down” with this easy cars and ramp activity. A cardboard box could be used in place of the foam board!
Preschoolers
- Build social and emotional skills with this easy family songwriting activity!
- Take art time outdoors with this fun, bubble painting activity!
- Explore the sense of touch with this mystery item sensory activity
4/3/20
Infants
- Here are three simple activities to encourage sensory learning with your infant
- Build spatial awareness and language skills with this infant bucket activity
- Turn a large box into a tunnel to build gross motor skills!
Toddlers
- Here are two simple bedtime finger plays that help build math skills
- Work on gross motor skills with this ball rolling art activity
- Work on fine motor skills with this easy pipe cleaner pick-up activity and (video)
Preschoolers
- Develop math skills with this easy pattern game using household objects!
- Try this detective pretend play activity to work on shape recognition
- Use household items for this tower building experiment!
4/2/20
Infants
- Here are three easy ways to build language skills during your infant’s everyday routines
- Use baby mirrors as well any household object with a reflective surface, such as a mixing bowl, for this mirror play activity
- Another mirror play activity. This activity only requires one mirror and a blanket!
Toddlers
- Here is an easy play dough activity for learning about emotions!
- Build language skills with a vocabulary walk. The example given is a nature walk, but you can take a walk anywhere for this activity!
- All you need is some construction paper and glue for this simple art activity based on the book “Mouse Shapes” by Ellen Walsh. Listen to the book here.
Preschoolers
- If you have multiple children in the home, try this simple art activity to work on cooperation skills
- Try one of these two engineering activities to build problem-solving skills
- Explore the properties of water with this easy outdoor water painting activity You can find more detailed instructions here, as well as adjustments if you would like to make this an indoor activity.
4/1/20
Infants
- If you have any large container lids in your recycling, try one of these 3 easy baby games
- Find household items for this baby circle basket activity that will help develop fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
- Try this outdoor activity to build sensory awareness with your infant. No materials needed!
Toddlers
- Here are 5 simple activities to encourage your child to explore and share their emotions
- This outdoor activity will help toddlers identify and sort loud and soft sounds
- Help develop balance, coordination and imagination with this pretend play activity!
Preschoolers
- Work on social and emotional skills with this “name that emotion” activity
- Use any household items for this letter museum activity
- All you need is some aluminum foil for this STEAM snowman building activity!
3/31/20
Infants
- All you need is a ball and some tape for this fine motor activity!
- Here are three options for bubble play for both mobile and non-mobile infants
- Use blankets and soft toys for this infant obstacle course for crawlers.
Toddlers
- Work on gross motor skills and develop hand eye coordination with this basket catch activity
- Here are four activities that encourage learning through the senses
- Introduce shapes with this shape hunt activity that can be done indoors or outdoors!
- They recommend pairing your shape hunt with the book “Shapes, Shapes, Shapes” by Tana Hoban. Find it here until the Resource Room opens up again!
Preschoolers
- Work on coordination and strength with this bear crawl activity. This can be an individual challenge or turn it into a race for multiple children!
- Try this I Spy activity to introduce or develop rhyming skills!
- Here are ways to create math games based on common morning, afternoon and evening routines
3/30/20
Infants
- Here are four word play games that you can easily add to your everyday routine!
- Try this hat game that will introduce cause and effect to your infant
- This ball rolling activity is great if you want to involve an older child or another adult in playing with your infant
Toddlers
- Here are both inside and outside activities you can try to help your toddler explore the five senses
- Practice shape recognition and introduce simple engineering concepts with this easy block blueprint activity!
- Try this mirroring activity to help your toddler develop balance and coordination skills.
Preschoolers
- Try one of these three activities that help preschoolers explore science concepts using their bodies
- Work on memorization skills while getting some exercise with your preschooler with this fun dance activity
- This springtime flower movement activity helps develop balance and coordination. It can be done individually, or as a group game with siblings!
3/27/20
Infants
- This tummy time activity helps improve your infant’s gross motor skills
- Use some ribbon and a wooden puzzle to help your infant work on their pincer grasp! (article) (video)
- Use scarves, or any fabric or item of clothing with an interesting print, for this geos motor play activity!
Toddlers
- Create a “tightrope” with tape or string to work on balance and introduce the concept of practicing.
- Work on letter recognition and get your toddler moving with this alphabet find activity.
- Try adding on one of these challenges to a game of freeze dance to help your child work on following directions and controlling their body. Follow along with the video, or use your own music!
Preschoolers
- Work on memorization skills with this pretend restaurant activity!
- Try these 3 simple activities that combine movement with literacy and math skills.
- Try this easy movement activity that will have your child “move like an egg” This can be a standalone activity or it can accompany the book “Peep and Egg; I’m Not Hatching” Listen to the book here.
3/26/20
Infants
- Here are ways to include your infant in physical activities when you have a mixed age group!
- Three simple games to play with your infant
- Try this window painting activity for infants starting to pull up and stand!
Toddlers
- Here are three calming/cool down activities that still allow kids to move their bodies.
- Try this easy stuffed animal activity that helps strengthen your toddlers core:
- Introduce directional vocabulary (inside, under, next to, etc.) with this simple activity! If you are unable to print the linked printout, you can use a toy or small household object instead!
Preschoolers
- Try this measuring experiment with bouncing balls!
- Here are three easy ways for your preschooler to make their own tracks (article)
- https://cms-tc.pbskids.org/parents/making-tracks-mezz.pdf?mtime=20191105132723 (pdf)
- Incorporate STEAM into your story time with this STEAM activity based on Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Here they used bottle caps to build a caterpillar, but you could also use blocks or play dough!
- If you don’t have the book, you can listen to the author read it here
3/25/20
Infants
- Try these games to strengthen your infant’s muscles and develop communication skills
- Find a box with holes in it, or cut out holes into one yourself, to keep baby entertained with this simple activity!
- Fill a tissue box with appropriately sized toys/items to create an infant discovery box. You can pick a theme or simply fill it with items you think your child would find interesting! (article) (video)
Toddlers
- This quiet time/independent activity promotes fine motor skills and leaves room for toddlers to expand on the activity by themselves.
- This painting activity is great if your child has a sensory aversion to finger paint, or if you are looking for less clean up!
- Try this outdoor challenge to increase physical activity (article) (video)
Preschoolers
- Preschoolers can keep in touch and maintain social interactions from a distance with this Call a Friend Q&A activity!
- This art activity can be done indoors with a storage container to contain the mess, or outdoors for easy clean up. By using washable paint on plastic toys, the toys can be rinsed right off and kids are free to express their creativity.
- This simple rainbow science activity can be done outdoors on a sunny day or indoors with a flashlight
3/24/20
Infants
- Here are 3 simple games to play with your infant (article) (video)
- Try this simple jumbo puzzle activity using a cardboard box. Your infant can help create it as well!
- Hang music toys or random household objects outside for an outdoor music experience!
Toddlers
- Take advantage of the puddles outside with this puddle splash activity!
- Another way to take art time outside is with this nature shake activity that encourages movement as well
- Work on fine motor skills with this block pickup activity. All you need are kitchen tongs and some blocks, or any similarly sized toys!
Preschoolers
- Combine STEAM and story time with this STEAM activity based on the book “Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes”. If you don’t have the book, a video link is included in the article for you!
- Work on number recognition with a loose parts number line using rocks!
- Let your kids explore their creativity and practice using scissors and glue with this cut and glue station idea. All you need are kid safe scissors, glue and any materials from your recycle or trash bins.
3/23/20
Infants
- Combine gross motor development and art with these four activities. You’ll even find clean up tips for each activity!
- Create this baby play station using empty toilet paper/paper towel rolls!
- Encourage tummy time with this easy to make high contract accordion book. All you need is white paper and black tape!
Toddlers
- Introduce or reinforce the concepts of quiet and loud with this read and play exploration activity!
- Explore the sense of hearing during outside time with this listening walk activity!
- Work on color recognition with this color sorting bag activity
Preschoolers
- Explore emotions with your preschooler with the following activities
- Bring the night sky indoors with this flashlight solar system activity
- Try these story time activities to accompany the book “Click Clack Moo” by Doreen Cronin
- If you don’t own the book, you can see and hear it read aloud here or here.
3/21/20
Infants
- Work on fine motor skills and object permanence with your infant with this peek-a-boo box. All you need is a cardboard box or empty wipes container and a photo of your baby!
- Make old infant toys interesting again with this simple container activity!
- Try these infant exercises to strengthen your infant’s muscles
Toddlers
- Take the sidewalk chalk indoors and experiment by painting with chalk and water!
- Practice the fine motor control needed to learn to use scissors with this activity!
- Another play dough activity involving straws and pipe cleaners!
Preschoolers
- Introduce science concepts with this simple bridge design activity making paper bridges!
- Help your child make this simple hand drum for music time!
- Introduce numbers with this easy to make puzzle using an empty cereal box, or any box you may have lying around!
3/20/20
Infants
- Help stimulate your infant’s eyesight with these easy to make contrast cards. All you need is white paper and a black marker!
https://thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com/diy-contrast-cards-for-babies/ - For mobile infants try this sensory crawl activity using household items!
https://thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com/sensory-crawl-infant-and-toddler-activity-huggies-little-movers/ (article)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBUQEFSxgXY&feature=youtu.be (video) - Save an empty wipes container for this easy fine motor skill activity!
https://handsonaswegrow.com/baby-play-fabric-scraps/
Toddlers
- Help build fine motor skills, and organize your kitchen with this Tupperware matching activity!
https://handsonaswegrow.com/sorting-through-the-tupperware-drawer/ - Another fine motor activity using pipe cleaners and a lint roller:
https://www.raisingdragons.com/lint-roller-worm-pick-up/
https://youtu.be/hz93W1iyllg (video) - Below are several quick games to help build social and emotional skills:
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/games-skillbuilders/social-emotional-activities-for-children
Preschoolers
- Make story time active with “yoga adventures” based on books. This one is based on the classic story “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAT5NiWHFIU - Or listen to the author himself act out the story!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gyI6ykDwds - Go on a nature scavenger hunt at the park, your neighborhood, or even your own backyard! Print out this checklist, or use it as a guide to create your own:
https://www.littlepassports.com/blog/behind-the-scenes/camp-explorer-week-2-go-nature-scavenger-hunt/ - Build social/emotional skills with these easy “mood of the day cups”
https://www.raisingdragons.com/mood-of-the-day-cups/ (article)
https://www.facebook.com/raisingdragons/videos/1782600951825115/ (video)
3/18/20
Infants
- For mobile infants who aren’t quite walking, try this indoor obstacle course!
https://handsonaswegrow.com/crawler-obstacle-course/ - Work on gross motor skills with this fun scarf activity
https://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-gross-motor-scarf-pull-activity-babies/ - Find both active and quiet games and other skill building activities for infants.
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/164-play-activities-for-birth-to-12-months (article) - Same article in Spanish: Encuentra juegos activos y calmados y otras actividades de aprendizaje para bebés.
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/165-abuelos-que-crian-a-sus-nietos-desde-el-nacimiento-hasta-los-doce-meses (article)
Toddlers
- Work on both fine and gross motor skills with these two tape activities!
https://handsonaswegrow.com/fun-kid-activity-lines-of-colored-tape/ (article)
https://handsonaswegrow.com/fun-kid-activity-lines-of-colored-tape/?jwsource=cl (video) - For a quiet time activity, try this color matching game with stickers and a paper towel roll!
https://busytoddler.com/2017/06/easy-color-matching-activity/ - Try some toddler water play, all you need is soap and water!
https://www.raisingdragons.com/toddler-water-transfer-ages-1-3/ (article)
https://www.facebook.com/raisingdragons/videos/1570329489718930/ (video)
Preschoolers
- Practice letter or number writing with a sensory writing tray. This one uses sand, but you can experiment with other mediums such as glitter or shaving cream!
https://www.raisingdragons.com/learning-letters-age-2-4-drawing-letters-in-the-sand-2/ (link to article)
https://www.facebook.com/raisingdragons/videos/1235902306494985/ (link to video) - For some outdoor fun, try this spin on a sensory tub, a sensory walk!
https://www.raisingdragons.com/sensory-walk-ages-2/ (article)
https://www.facebook.com/raisingdragons/videos/1633609353390943/ (video) - Strengthen fine motor skills threading buttons through pipe cleaners with this button tree activity
https://handsonaswegrow.com/fall-button-tree-quiet-bin/