Activity Idea: Parachute Tricks

Toddler QuickSource® rminds us that the toddler years are a prime age for building connections within the brain. Language, cognitive skills, social emotional development and physical development are the four areas of focus for toddlers. "Social and emotional development is critical during the toddler years because 18 to 36 months is a prime age for building social connections within the brain. During the toddler developmental stage, children will more fully understand emotions and begin to adjust behaviors to meet the surroundings and social situation. A toddler also becomes very aware of the 'special' responsibility and connection she feels with family members."

Here's an activity called Parachute Tricks that will help children develop gross motor skills and will provide opportunities for children to work together and problem-solve. For this activity, you will need a 6' Brawny Tough Rainbow Parachute, a set of Colored Beanbags, and a set of Foam Balls.

6' Brawny Tough Rainbow Parachute (P6)
Colored Beanbags - set of 12 (CBB)
Foam Balls - set of 6 (FOAMBS)

Let's Get Started:1. A small parachute is a great prop to use with children around the time they reach 3 years old.

2. Have each toddler grasp one of the handles on the small parachute.

3. Tell the children to shake the parachute, raise and lower the parachute.

4. Place beanbags or foam balls on the parachute and let the children discover what happens when they shake the parachute.

5. Point out to the children what happens when they work well together.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: EE17: Begins to Function in Group Settings with Cooperation.

Activity Idea: My (Almost) Everything!

Preschool Activity QuickSource® reminds us that Social/Emotional activities help children become "caring, competent, and confident individuals. You can nurture children's social emotional development by giving them a strong sense of self, fostering their independence, encouraging them to make friends, and teaching them to share."

Here's an activity called My (Almost) Everything! that will help children to recognize their personal information and remember it. For this activity, you will need Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera (WST), White Sulphite Paper (12SU), Colorations® Permanent Markers (PERMBLK), and 9"White Paper Plates (DIXIE).

Materials Needed:
Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera (WST)
White Sulphite Paper (12SU)
Colorations® Permanent Markers (PERMBLK)
9"White Paper Plates (DIXIE)

Let's Get Started:
1. Squirt different colors of paint onto white paper plates. Have each child make handprints on their paper, with lots of room at the top for text. Allow to dry.

2. Have a list of 10 questions, one for each finger.
My name is.....
I live at/in.....
My favorite color is.....
My favorite food is.....
My favorite animal is....
When I grow up, I want to be a....
I like to.....
I wish to....
If I could have a super power, it would be.....

3. List their answers, one above each finger, with the marker.

4. Write each child's name on their paper and display around the room.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: SE1 Shows Awareness of Self and Knows Personal Information.