Age level:  1- and 2-year olds and an adult (3-6 would enjoy as well!)

Season:  Fall

Time:  1 hour

Topic:  How animals prepare for winter and exploring the concepts of cold and warm.

The format of our program is set up as follows:

45 minutes of exploring at their own pace the 8 -10 activities which are spread out in a park or large activity room. Being outside works best. These activities are followed by 15 minutes of group time which includes a story, theme snack, and finger plays or songs. Our class size is limited to 10 child-adult teams when inside and 15 teams outside.

Bye Bye Birdy

Objectives

1.      To introduce toddlers to the idea that many animals must prepare in fall for the cold winter ahead (ideas:  food-gathering, hibernation, migration)

2.      To explore “cold” through sensory activities

Feed the Squirrels, A Counting Activity

Squirrels gather lots of seeds to store for the winter. This is called caching. You can help feed the squirrels. First prepare the squirrel feeding station. You can make the station by placing squirrel shapes, pictures or stuffed animals around the yard or room.  Cut out five to ten squirrel shapes and staple each to the top of a Dixie cup.  Write a number on each cup.  Go on a walk and gather nuts, seeds, acorns, etc.  Help your tot to count how many nuts or seeds they need for that squirrel. 

Skills Developed:  Fine motor; mathematical (counting).

Winter is coming, winter is coming!

Forest animals are really active this time of year!  Birds are eating a lot so they have the energy to fly south. Those animals that stay, must store food for the winter. Find a quiet place in the woods and lie down or sit for awhile. Did you see that chipmunk scurrying under the leaves? Did you see his big cheeks? Watch the squirrel climb the tree. What is she doing with that big nut in her mouth? Can you hear the birds high up in the trees? They seem to chatter a lot in the fall. What do you think they are talking about?

Skills Developed:  Observation; sense of hearing and listening, nature appreciation.

Polar Painting

Fill ice cube trays with water. Insert a Popsicle stick into each section and freeze. When you are ready to paint, have your tot sprinkle tempera paint or powdered drink mix or gelatin mix onto their paper. Give her an ice cube. Using the stick as a handle, spread the powder around onto the paper. 

Skills Developed:  Creative; sense of sight, touch; fine motor.

What’s Inside?

Inside a feely bag, place an ice pack or microwave heat pack. Tell your tot the feely bag has something inside to feel. Don’t peek. What does it feel like? Is it cold or warm? Skills Developed:  Sense of touch; language (use of words to convey idea)

Glacier Bay

Fill a tub with warm water. Add large ice blocks for icebergs. Milk and Juice cartons work well. Add food coloring if you like. Add boats and rubber ducky too! If you don’t have boats already, make one from a walnut. 

Skills Developed:  Imaginative play; sense of sight, touch.

Musical Hibernation Game

Few animals actually sleep all winter or hibernate. The woodchuck is Iowa’s only true hibernator.  Many animals survive winter by taking long naps (bears, skunks, opossums, raccoons, etc.) Lay out a mat or carpet square (one for each person).  Explain to your tot that while the music is playing the animals (you, tot, etc.) are dancing.  When the music stops it is wintertime ------time to find a spot to sleep.  Ask your tot if he/she is a bear, raccoon, etc. 

Skills Developed:  Sense of hearing/listening skills; social; concept of hibernation.

End the program with a popsicle for a cold snack.