Key Points From my start in childcare to my work as a developmental therapist, I have loved incorporating heavy work play with kids. Introducing heavy work play can transform your classroom or home into a happier, calmer space for children. Heavy Work Basics Heavy work is a type of activity that engages muscles and joints…
As a developmental therapist, I regularly recommend container play to parents and infant/toddler teachers. This simple, open-ended activity has powerful learning benefits, and the best part—children love it! Key Points Definition: What is Container Play? Container play is a type of play where babies and toddlers explore putting objects into containers and dumping them out….
It’s never too early to foster a love for reading and writing. As an infant/toddler developmental therapist, I understand how caregivers can use activities to support emergent literacy skills, like handling books, enjoying songs, and building language. These literacy activities for babies are the same ones I’ve used in homes and infant classrooms. They are…
Explore our favorite block play activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Block activities support children’s creativity, learning, and physical development. I’ll share block activities and games you can introduce at home or in the classroom, along with tips to promote a block play environment. What is a Block Play Activity? Block play is an imaginative,…
Updated: December 28, 2023 Key Points As an early childhood professional, I am excited to share about nature-based early childhood education. Let’s define this type of program and its benefits; the classroom environment and nature-based activities foster a lifelong connection with nature. What is Nature-based Early Childhood Education? Nature-based early childhood education incorporates the natural…
Key Points Whether it’s climbing trees, splashing in puddles, or observing tiny creatures, nature play offers endless play and learning opportunities. Let’s learn how nature play supports children’s growth, creativity, and connection with the natural world. What is Nature Play? Nature play is engaging in play and exploration in natural outdoor environments such as a…
Parents and educators can provide 2-year-olds with fun activities that help them reach cognitive milestones. These activities are fantastic for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, and even 3-year-olds. I’m sharing fifteen favorite brain development activities you can do with your toddler at home or in the classroom. A 2-year-old is developing the following cognitive skills, according to the HSELOF:…
In the first few months of a baby’s life, they are learning so much! As a parent or caregiver, you probably wonder how you can help a 3-month-old baby’s development. In this post, I will share sensory and learning activities that are fun and appropriate for a 3-month-old. It’s important to remember that every baby…
These 50 penguin activities for preschoolers and toddlers will inspire a love of penguins and nature. Each play-based activity helps children actively engage in learning. Gross Motor Penguin Activities These penguin-based gross motor activities get kids moving. While learning all the fun ways penguins move, children will want to test their abilities. Kids can develop…
Updated: December 28, 2023 These 30 bee activities for preschoolers, toddlers, and babies will instill a love of bees. Each play-based activity will get children actively engaged in learning. Parents will find ideas for their bee-loving children, and educators will find engaging, developmentally appropriate ideas for their classroom lesson plans. Bee Activities for Preschoolers How…