📖 Creating Literacy Rich Experiences in Early Childhood Programs
This session invites participants to explore open-ended literacy experiences and strategies that support children's growth and development across multiple content areas. #fitandhealthykids
Monday, Dec. 1 | 7PM CT
See details for this class and register: go.unl.edu/creating_literacy
Create a gumball machine ornament
Add a festive twist to your holiday fun with this hands-on ornament activity! Kids will love creating their own unique designs while building important skills, and their finished ornaments make a great gift for family and friends. 🎁
📥 Download the guide at: go.unl.edu/dnd_projects
When babies are on their tummies reaching for objects, give them a chance to try on their own! It’s important for their development to practice new skills independently. If they get frustrated, gently move the object closer so they can feel successful and confident. #fitandhealthykids
Learn more: go.unl.edu/can_i_get_it
🔬 Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Science for Young Children
This program shows how early science experiences foster child development by building confidence, curiosity, language skills, and a foundation for future learning. #fitandhealthykids
Monday, Jan 12 | 7PM CT
See details for this class and register: go.unl.edu/inquiring_minds
Cuando los bebés están boca abajo intentando alcanzar objetos, ¡dales la oportunidad de intentarlo por sí mismos! Es importante para su desarrollo practicar nuevas habilidades de manera independiente, pero si se frustran, acerca suavemente el objeto para que puedan sentirse exitosos y con confianza.
Turn Trash into Treasures with this Holiday activity! ♻️🎄
Kids will turn a jar into a festive reindeer while learning how to repurpose everyday items in a creative, eco-friendly way! Perfect for classrooms or at-home holiday fun. 🌟
📥 Download the guide and check out other Discover and Design projects here – go.unl.edu/dnd_projects
Sensory Play
Why Sensory Play Matters
Did you know? Sensory play isn’t just messy fun, it’s how toddlers learn about the world! Whether it’s squishing playdough, shaking sound jars, or sniffing spice jars, each sense builds brain connections.
Try this: A texture treasure hunt: ask your child to find something smooth, rough, soft, and bumpy!
Learn more: go.unl.edu/why_sensory_play
Sensory Play Builds Social Skills
Sharing a water bin, baking muffins, or exploring leaves together isn’t just play, it’s practice for cooperation, patience, and language!
Try this: Bake together! Let your child smell spices, stir batter, and taste their creation.
See this week’s guide on “taste” > go.unl.edu/sensory_play_taste
Sensory Play = Learning
Sensory play is a toddler’s first classroom! Scooping sand, guessing smells, and marching to music all strengthen fine motor skills, early literacy, and vocabulary.
Try this: Set up a sand writing tray at home and let your child draw letters or shapes with their fingers.
Check out this week’s guide on “touch”> go.unl.edu/sensory_play_touch
Simple At-Home Activities
This holiday season might bring more time indoors with family, which is a great opportunity to learn together! Remember, sensory play doesn’t require special toys; everyday items can inspire amazing learning moments.
Try these activities:
-Freeze toys in ice and challenge your child to “rescue” them with warm water. This simple play builds problem-solving and fine motor skills.
-Give your toddler objects of different colors (blocks, balls, socks, etc.). Provide colored bowls or pieces of paper to match them.
Book recommendation and “sight” guide > go.unl.edu/sensory_play_sight