Activities

Keep a growth chart in the science center for the plants in your room.  Every week, measure each plant with a ruler to observe its growth.  Talk about the past and the present, and how things change over time.

Add measuring cups and measuring spoons along with a small container of rice. Have the children scoop and measure different amounts of rice to cook.

Have the book Big Dog…Little Dog by P. D. Eastman available along with a basket of different size stuffed animals. Have children use a variety of items to measure the stuffed animals such as paper clips, pipe cleaners or LEGO®s.

A few months before the children will transition to the next classroom, invite their new teacher to meet them. Ask the new teacher to read a book with the children such as Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman.

During circle time, discuss the idea of meeting someone new such as an adult or a teacher. Practice steps on how to introduce yourself and engage in conversation. Practice this skill by role playing as a group with all the children.

Give each child a small plate or tray with one or two pieces of ice. Ask the children what they think will happen to the ice. Have the children observe what happens to the ice and discuss why the ice melted.

After reading Tea Cakes for Tosh by Kelly Starling Lyons, encourage the children to create a family scrapbook of important events.

Using memory games in the math center can help improve impulse control. Create a simple memory game for the children to play.

Using memory games in the math center is a great way to engage the children in problem-solving. Create matching cards with shapes or with numerals and sets. Draw a grid on poster board to help organize the cards.

Read Wheels and Axels in Action by Gillian Gosman. Use a wagon to demonstrate the story. Ask the children what they ride in that has wheels? Set out cars and other items in the classroom for the children to explore.

Introduce the life cycle of a frog or butterfly. Create a visual chart to demonstrate the life cycle. Consider reading books and viewing videos related to life cycles. If possible bring in tadpoles or caterpillars for the children to observe.

Introduce the concept of a meteorologist and interview a child about the weather for the day.

Collect large screw-on milk caps. Have the children place the milk caps in a small container or in a larger one with a slit in the top.

Pour one cup of whole milk into a wide bowl. Carefully place one drop each of red, blue and yellow food coloring at the center of the bowl. Make sure the colors do not touch each other.

Use milk jugs to create a fun ball toss/catch game.  Using clean milk jugs, cut out the front quarter of the milk jug to create a "basket"  that can be held by the handle.  Cover the remaining parts of the jugs with duct tape.

Hold the infant face-to-face with you. Use deliberate movements such as opening your mouth, raising your eyebrows or smiling. Watch for the infant to mimic you. When the infant mimics your movement, respond with a smile.

Create a mini car wash for small vehicles in the classroom. You need a one-gallon milk jug, duct tape, yellow sponges, water, child-safe baby shampoo and small spray bottles.

Place a full-sized mirror inside the dramatic play area where a child or two can dance in front of it. Give them earbuds and music player to play upbeat music. Encourage children to move to the rhythm of the song.

Provide paint and an unbreakable mirror for each child. Have the children look in their mirrors and paint what they see. Once completed, have the children compare their paintings.

You will need an unbreakable mirror for each child and fingerpaint. Have the children spend a few minutes looking at their features in the mirror – the shape of their eyes or their mouths.  Ask them to note differences when they smile or frown.