Activities

Recent research has drawn the link between children's brain development and time spent in the natural environment. Every child deserves a safe play to play, supportive adults to watch him grow, and an environment that offers them endless possibilities. In "Seasons of Play," Rusty Keeler takes readers on a photographic journey through real child care centers that have embraced his philosophy that natural play environments create new opportunities for children to explore and grow. This book… More »

Counting is the foundation for future math learning. Pairing and sorting objects, understanding numbers and quantity, and counting can all be introduced with simple activities. 30 Fun Ways to Learn About Counting brings these skills into the classroom with fun and engaging games and activities! 80 pages. Paperback.

Engage children with meaningful constructive play! This book provides educators of young children with guidance in how to create early childhood environments that support children's natural need to play. It includes strategies for creating and scaffolding the block play experience, recommends children's books that support the learning, and outlines ways to match behaviors, content, and concepts to learning standards. Lesson plans include: Thanksgiving -- sharing and giving; our families and ourselves;… More »

"L is for Lion" helps children learn letters easily and entertains them with the fun activities in this book. Each letter of the alphabet has two full pages of activities and ideas, including: foods to enjoy that begin with the letter, games or activities that reinforce the shape or sound of the letter, a song, poem, or tongue twister featuring the letter, and suggestions of books to read. Paperback. 80 pages.

Use the games in 30 Fun Ways to Learn About Writing to make early writing in the classroom exciting and fun! Whether labeling objects, making lists, or writing notes, children will be engaged and active with these creative activities that stimulate curiosity and imagination. 80 pages. Paperback.

With quick and simple ideas, "101 Easy, Wacky, Crazy Activities" is guaranteed to enliven any day. Encourage children to think creatively, problem solve, and have fun while learning. Written by two experienced teachers, this collection of open-ended ideas is a book teachers and parents will want to keep handy. Paperback. 144 pages.

With 100 days of plans, Daily Preschool Experiences has learning center activities for preschool learners at every developmental level. The daily plans are organized by theme into 20 units, each with a 5-day plan. Each daily plan includes subjects on morning circle activity, differentiated activities for 3 learning centers, related children's book, vocabulary words, extension activities, review of the day's experience. Because every child is unique, teachers can select the activities that fit the… More »

by Sharon MacDonald. Over 200 easy-to-plan learning center activities for language and literacy, science, manipulatives, art and more. 272 pages.

Over 600 attention-grabbing activities to help turn stressful moments into fun learning experiences. Teachers will be able to use the transition activites in this book to fill a spare minute, help children calm down, wait for another activity, and much more. Through play, children learn to comuniate, interact,and expand their cognitive thinking horizions. 576 pages.

Book by Jean Feldman. Over 400 ideas to make those 'between times' teachable moments and smooth transitions with simple and fun activities. 288 pages.

When a story comes to the end -- it does not have to be the end of the story. Instead, teachers can continue the learning with activities and experiences to promote conversation about that story. Story Play encourages even the most inexperienced teacher, librarian, child care professional, or family member to become a storyteller with ideas for expanding stories into meaningful learning experiences. With stories, poems, songs, chants, and fingerplays, as well as ideas for working with puppets and… More »

Music does more than teach children to sing or play an instrument. The music and movement activities in 30 Fun Ways to Learn About Music build children's development in other areas, like literacy, math, physical fitness, and coordination. These activities also help children develop concentration, build confidence, and help children's creative and social development. 80 pages. Paperback.

Thinking BIG, Learning BIG is filled with BIG activities. The chapters are organized by topic, with activities which build science, math, literacy and language skills, to form a solid foundation for future learning. The BIG Connections section presents ways to integrate the topic throughout the curriculum in sensory experiences, art, music, dramatic play, and gross motor skills. Paperback. 312 pages.

Contains over 600 activities written by teachers illustrating new ways to use everyday items to create fresh exciting projects. Also includes management techniques and helpful tips for working with kindergarteners. 640 pages.