Activities

Create an absent child ritual by using a pizza pan with a heart drawn in the middle of it. Print the children's pictures on magnets.

Give the children toy phones and paper and encourage them to write down phone numbers.

You will need chalk, bean bags and buckets with numerals next to them. Challenge the children to toss a bean bag into a bucket and say which number comes before or after the bucket they hit.

You will need chalk, bean bags and buckets with numerals next to them. During outdoor time challenge the children to toss a bean bag into a bucket and say which number comes before or after the bucket they hit.

Have the children stand in a circle. Start by saying your name and doing a movement such as raising one arm. Then have the children repeat your name and the movement. Next, have the child to your left say his/her name and add a new movement.

You will need several small-wheeled vehicles as well as wooden table blocks and rocks from the science center. Using masking tape, make a road on the floor or carpet.

As you sing the familiar song "Wheels on the Bus" with the children, pause and ask them questions. "The babies on the bus go _______.

Encourage the children to tell you stories about conflicts that have happened in the classroom and take dictation. Make the stories funny and always come up with fun ideas of how to solve the conflict with grace and humor.

Sing the following to the tune of “London Bridge”:
When I point to you, say your name,

say your name, say your name.

During a routine such as changing a diaper, play “When I...” Say, “When I smile, I am happy; when I wrinkle my brow, I am worried; and when I shake my head, that means “No.

Read The Sun Is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch. Place a cutout sun on the wall, and encourage the children to describe or draw something they like to do when the sun is shining.

Read Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash by Sarah Weeks. Talk about what happens when the wind blows. Create "wind" with a small fan, and have the children hold up socks to watch them move.

Read When the Wind Stops by Charlotte Zolotow. After reading the book and discussing the properties of air and wind, have children create “blow art” in small group. Provide plastic straws, paint and large pieces of paper.

Read the book When You Grow Up by Lennie Goodings. Chart the children's answers to the question, “Where do you think you will live when you grow up?” This could be done in large group.

Read the book When You Grow Up by Lennie Goodings. Chart the children's answers to the question, “Where do you think you will live when you grow up?” This could be done in large group.

Review the classroom rules using very simple when/then statements such as: “When we pick up all of our toys, then we can go outside. When we wash our hands, then we can have snack.” Use gestures and give prompts.

Talking and interacting with the infant on a regular basis develops attachment between the infant and the teacher. Do this fingerplay with the infant lying on a blanket:
Here is the beehive (Make a fist.

Use a portable GPS as you walk to the playground. Talk to the children about how the GPS helps with directions and location. During outdoor time, encourage the children to use the GPS as they explore the outdoor environment.

Name the areas of the room as you walk around with the infants. Encourage them to look or move toward different areas of the room in search of a favorite toy.

Place an item such as small doll or ball in front of the children and say, “See the doll/ball. Now watch.” Place it underneath a blanket or cup and ask, “Where did it go?” Encourage the children to look for the object.