Coaching toddlers

ICE FISHING Cognitive Activity for toddlers I wrapped a box with white paper,  then cut out a hole on one side.  I put magnet fishes in it and gave my "kids" the magnet fishing poles that goes with them.  If you don't have that you can make your own poles with paper towel tubes with a string and a letter magnet and paper fishes with a paper clip.   This activity is good for initiative, engagement in learning and cognitive flexibility.  

  SENSORY TABLE WITH WHITE STUFF IN IT  Measurement (math) activity (Cognitive) for toddlers  If you don't have a sensory table you can use trays or any shallow containers.  We put rice, cornstarch and salt.  We used it for measurement activity and during centers time for Initiative.  It always a popular one in my classroom.

ARCTIC ANIMALS ON ICED TRAYS (Science, Initiative/Curiosity)   I put the tray outside during a cold night, with little water in them. The following morning, I put them on the tables with Artic animals figures for the children to explore during center time.  We talked about cold, we made the Arctic animals slidding on them, we talked about mittens, the ice melting when it's warm and becoming water.  It is a wonderful science activity.

  Shape penguin Geometry activity for toddlers -Draw a big oval on a black construction paper and cut it out (you can cut 4 at a time).  Repeat for a group of 8. -Fold a copy paper in 4, draw a medium size oval and 2 smaller ones for the eyes. Cut them out. Repeat. -Fold a yellow construction paper in 4 and draw 2 triangles for the beak. -Fold an orange construction paper, draw 4 triangles and cut them out for the feet. -

  IGLOO CRAFT FOR TODDLERS Supplies:  - styrofoam bowls                     - mini marshmallows                      - glue Cut an opening in the bowl(s).   I applied glue on top and let them put the marshmallows which is a good fine motor activity too.  When they were done, I put glue on the side if they were interested.     

  HOW TO DRAW A PENGUIN, FOR TODDLERS I'm not an artist, if I can do it, so can you.  I prefer sitting at the table and draw an imperfect one then printing a perfect one.  When I'm sitting at the children table I keep on interacting with them and they find me entertaining.  If it takes several attempts,  no big deal. 1. Draw an oval the size you want your penguin(s) to be, with a black marker. 2. Inside the oval, draw 2 ovals for the eyes, with a circle for the pupils. 3. Make a triangle in the middle of the big oval. 4.  Make an oval in the lower part of the body, starting at the triangle and ending on the other side of it. 5.  Draw 2 webbed orange feet on each side, sticking out.  They don't have to be perfect or exactly the same, your toddlers don't ask you that. 6. Color the beak yellow. 7. Color in black around the eyes, the beak and the belly.  Add 2 flippers on either side. My "kids" liked to see me doing them. I laminated them and use...

  PENGUIN  Craft for toddlers Please don't ask for printables.  You can do this.  I'm not an artist if I can, so can you. 1. Draw a big oval on a black construction paper and cut 4 of them at a time.  Repeat for a group of 8. 2. Fold 2 white copy papers and draw an oval for the belly and 2 smaller ones for the eyes, cut them out.  Draw a circle inside of each eye for the pupils. 3. Fold a yellow construction paper in 4 and draw 2 triangles for the beak, cut them out. 4. Fold an orange construction paper in 4 and draw 4 webbed feet (they don't have to be perfect or exactly the same, your toddlers dont ask you that).  Cut them out. If your group is not familiar with crafting I suggest you apply the glue and give them each part 1 or 2 at a time.  Don't give them the items too early, they'll probably end up on the floor or in their mouth or who knows where.  As they get used to, you might be able to trust them (maybe just the oldest) with a glue ...

  Waddle like a penguin Gross motor activity for toddlers. Song lyrics: "To  climb up the great iceberg, you have to waddle like a penguin.  Waddle, waddle, waddle, waddle, waddle like a penguin. Waddle, waddle, waddle, waddle, waddle like a penguin." (Demonstrate to waddle by doing so all across the classroom.) It is a liberal translation from a song from a TV show of my childhood.   If you are interested in watching it, you can search it on YouTube and fast forward to the 11 minutes of the show to hear the tune: "Franfreluche chez les esquimaux".  My kids were interested even though they don't speak French.

  Snowy owl Craft for toddlers Preparation  Cut out 2 big circles per child and 2 smaller black circles, glue the black ones in the yellow ones, cut out a black triangle.  Get ready 3 black construction papers, 3 dark blue and 3 purple. The activity It can be done as a full group or small or individually.   Go with the flow of your class that moment. I like to make one in advance as a model and if they are responsive I make one in front of them for them to see the steps. I gave them choice of the dark colors, (toddlers love to have choice) and makes them learning their name and recognizing them. Spread a good amount of white tempera paint with a little glue mixed in, on a dark construction paper.  Demonstrate your children how to spread it as you give them a white feather, if they get frustrated give them a paint brush. When they are done give them the eyes and the beak.