Exploring and Learning
Exploring the world around them helps kids learn new skills.
Watch the video together and create your own obstacle course indoors or outdoors to help kids learn math and language skills!
With babies…
Hold baby in your arms facing outwards so they can see the world around them. As you walk around together, describe your movements using spatial concepts: “We’re walking through the door, underneath the light, and into your room!”
With older children…
Create a simple obstacle course using household objects. For example, you might open up the flaps on both sides of a cardboard box and place it on the floor. Encourage kids to walk around the box, crawl through the box, or, if they’re big enough, step over the box. You can also incorporate other movements such as skipping, hopping, or marching.
With groups of mixed ages…
Encourage older children to help set up the obstacle course as a challenge for you and the younger child. Call out (or let the older child call out) spatial directions (such as “Climb on top of the stepstool!”), and hold the younger child as you move through the obstacles together.
“First/Then” Boards: Managing Daily Routines
A printable tool to help children know what to expect in their daily routines and activities.
Planning for Play in Daily Routines
A printable page to plan moments of playfulness during daily routines.
Provider-Parent Communications Log
A printable page to help parents and caregivers communicate about a child’s day.
Communicating with Parents and Caregivers Around Routines
An article offering strategies for communication with parents/caregivers.
Lesson Planning Practice
A tool to plan opportunities for learning connected to monthly and weekly themes.
Shaping an Engaging Learning Environment
Your space is full of opportunities for children to learn and grow!
Planning Our Days: Creating Schedules for Children
Planning ahead can help you be intentional about the learning of the children in your care!
