Active Learning in Early Childhood Education

What is Active Learning?

If you're an early childhood education director, teacher, or a homeschooler of a preschooler, you will benefit ChildCare Education Institute's CCEI122: Active Learning in Early Childhood course. This course is a great way to get continuing ed course credit for any ECE program, but it is also a wonderful tool for parents of toddlers and preschoolers to educate themselves for homeschool learning. So, what is the definition of active learning in early childhood education?

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Wikipedia describes active learning as:

Active learning is a form of learning in which teaching strives to involve students in the learning process more directly than in other methods. Bonwell states that in active learning, "students participate in the process and students participate when they are doing something besides passively listening."

Sensory Play = Active Learning

As a childcare professional, I am well versed in sensory play and its connection to cognitive learning. Here on the blog, you'll find many sensory play activities and other movement games for early childhood educators. However, I wasn't aware of much of the proven science behind these preschool activities until I took CCEI's online professional development course CCEI122: Active Learning in Early Childhood.

This course presents practical methods for integrating movement and active involvement across all curriculum areas, including art, language arts, mathematics, music, science, and social studies.

The course only takes about an hour of your time. Be sure to print out the handouts or save them as pdfs so that you'll have access to note taking and a record of some of the valuable ideas and knowledge base taught in the class. At course completion, you’re issued a certificate showing that you've successfully completed the 1 hr. course. Here's mine:

Through the years, I've taken many continuing education courses. The courses offered by ChildCare Education Institute are by far the most convenient. The courses are also very informative. They not only include valuable information and recent studies in the childcare industry, but they also include sample activities that you can try with your own students.

ChildCare Education Institute® provides high-quality, online training courses and programs, applicable to those who work in an array of child care settings, including center-based care, Head Start, family child care, prekindergarten classrooms, after school environments and more. Over 150 English and Spanish training courses are available to meet licensing, recognition program, and Head Start Requirements. CCEI also has online certification programs that provide the coursework requirement for national credentials including the CDA, Director and Early Childhood Credentials. CCEI, a Council for Professional Recognition CDA Gold Standard℠ Comprehensive training provider, is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

● 99 percent of students say they would recommend CCEI to others

● Over 4.4 million online course hours completed  

● Graduated over 12,000 early childhood professionals from CDA and other certificate programs

● Web-based coursework, available 24/7/365

● 30 hours of new content added each year

● IACET CEUs awarded for completed coursework at no additional cost

During the CCEI122: Active Learning in Early Childhood course, I had many aha moments. There were so many things that I've done in my early childhood programs where I missed valuable opportunities to incorporate movement and music in daily lesson plans for language arts, science, social studies, math, and art. The course lists out many different ideas and further explains how these activities aid in cognitive development and increase brain synapses.

After taking the course, you’ll want to add more movement activities to your daily active learning activities. Here's a list of our most popular posts on early childhood games and sensory play ideas for preschoolers.

● Circle Time Games for Active Learning in Early Childhood

● Physical Activity Movement Games for Early Childhood

● Marshmallow Movement Game

● Sensory Tactile Alphabet Activity

● Group Cooperation Games for Preschool and Early Childhood

If you're in need of continuing education for your career in early childhood, start here with our review of ChildCare Education Institute. CCEI offers many amazing continuing education courses for professional development in early childhood education. The extensive course list is sure to please even the most hard to please daycare providers and program directors. I encourage everyone involved with childcare and early childhood education to sign up for a course or two. It’s such a convenient way to expand your knowledge in early childhood education. Be sure to check it out!

Recommended:

Featured Preschool Crafts and Activities 

All Preschool Activities

Active Learning Tools

Five Essential Tips for Taking Your Toddler on Vacation

Vacation with Toddlers

The terrible twos are terrible for a reason. Between learning to talk, starting to walk, to teething, and the “why” phase, you certainly have your work cut out for you. However, just because kids are a challenge at this age, doesn’t mean your life has to stop. On the contrary, they’re finally at an age where you can safely start to travel with them. By following these essential tips for taking your toddler on vacation, you can reduce the stress and improve the vacation travel experience all-round.

When traveling with toddlers, something to consider (no matter where you go,) is that you can use a luggage storage app to help stow your bags. No one wants to drag all that luggage around, especially when you’re traveling with toddlers in tow. For example, when you arrive in a city before your hotel reservation, you can store your bags and then start visiting your favorite attractions without having to wait for an afternoon hotel check-in.

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Choose a Family-Friendly Destination

As you can expect, traveling with your toddler is difficult. It's all the stress from home combined with the stress of travel – in short, it's a nightmare if you don't prepare beforehand and know what to expect. To help you choose the best destination (and subsequent accommodation,) you'll want to choose a place that:

• Has Things for Adults and Kids 

Going to Disney World is great fun for kids, but if you're the parent who will absolutely hate the experience, this trip isn't for you! Similarly, if you choose a destination that isn’t kid-friendly, then your toddler will likely have a thing or two to say about it. Expect to be dragging them along by the hand. Instead, find a vacation destination that has something for both of you, and don’t be afraid to bring your kid a museum. Just remember to keep them off the exhibits. No one wants to get kicked out of a venue after throwing down a wallet load of cash.

• Has all the Needed Amenities

Choosing a vacation home is ideal in this situation, because you can forget about trying to accommodate your toddler's fussy eating habits at a restaurant and instead prepare food right at home just the way they like it. This makes snacks, meals, and even sleep cycles easy to maintain.

Find Out All That There is to Do And See

There are so many helpful guides online for you to pursue at your leisure. Simply find the ones that appertain to your destination and make note of their suggestions. This way, you can cut down on all the options in a big city like San Francisco, and instead narrow down your itinerary to the top 25 places to visit as outlined on VacationRenter.com. Depending on how long you are planning on staying, narrow that list down further to only what truly interests you, and you'll be sure to have a great time -even with toddlers in tow.

Tips on How to Get There

The younger they are, the less fun kids seem to have on a plane. That's why going by train or by car is often the far superior option for families. Not only that, but it's also very cost effective. If you do go by plane, use price comparison apps so that you can at least fly on the cheapest days, but remember to book your seats ahead of time so that you can all sit together. Never leave that to the day of and hope other passengers will switch with you. That's an unnecessary complication you can avoid with proper planning.

It will take time to master the art of travel with a young child, but don’t let that stop you from traveling. Just remember to be firm. Children might not always behave, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set down rules for them. Do this, and you'll all have a much better time on your family vacation, no matter the destination. After all, the real memory maker is the experience.

Recommended:

Tips for Traveling with Children

Fun Family Vacation Travel Games

Travel Ideas for Girl Scout Badges

Books for 11 - 14 year old Boys: The Last Kids on Earth

Books for Boys: 11 to 14 years

This post contains affiliate links.

Are you looking for books that your preteen or teen boys will read and enjoy? Whether they are reluctant readers or love to read, once they've read all of the Harry Potter book series, it is difficult to find new books that will keep 11 to 14 year old boys engaged. No need to worry. We've found the cure! The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier is just what you need. Enjoy!

Book Blurb: Life after the zombie apocalypse is pretty good for 13-year-old Jack Sullivan: he lives in a mind-clobberingly cool tree fort with his best friends, speeds through town playing Real-Life Mario Kart, has a crew of monster buddies, battles zombies on the regular, and generally treats life like it’s a videogame! 

But then Jack’s friends make a startling discovery: they may not be the last kids on earth, after all. This is great news for everyone… except Jack. Once they’ve found other humans, his friends won’t stick around for long! Jack’s only hope for keeping things the way they are is to prove that everything here is perfect, life is crazy fun, and nothing else could be any better. 

One problem: it’s hard convincing his friends that everything is great when they’re being hunted by a monstrous Nightmare King and an ancient evil who won’t rest until Earth has been devoured. Crud! Maybe life after the monster apocalypse is more complicated than Jack thought…

Read our review about the first book in the series, The Last Kids on Earth book review. These books are page turners. Jake read this book in less than 24 hrs. When he read the first book from this series he said, "They better make this a series!" This time he says, "They better make this series a movie! I'd love to see it."

Per Jake: In this latest book, Jack is always fighting with himself. He knows they need to fix the radio, but he doesn't want to lose his friends. If they fix the radio, the other kids will go back to their families. He doesn't want that!

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Max Brallier is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books and games, including the first two books in The Last Kids on Earth series. He is the creator and writer of Galactic Hot Dogs, an ongoing middle-grade web serial and book series with Aladdin. He writes for licensed properties including Adventure Time, Regular Show, and Uncle Grandpa. Under the pen name Jack Chabert, he is the creator and author of the Eerie Elementary series for Scholastic Books. In the olden days, he worked in the marketing department at St. Martin's Press. Max lives in New York City with his wife. 

Recommended:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Also by Max Brallier: Galactic Hot Dogs

Percy Jackson

Read Moon Magic Online

Math for Homeschoolers Online

Homeschool Math Classes Online

If you're looking for math for homeschoolers online, you'll want to check out Make Math More Fun by Shenek Altson. She teaches homeschool math classes online. Check out her guest post to make math more fun by playing simple math games. Enjoy!

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Make Math More Fun by Playing Simple Math Games

Keep It Simple Mommy

As a homeschool mom, if I don’t get anything else done in a day, I like to get some type of reading and math done, because I know those two subjects form the foundation of so many other things.  For me, I’ve seen just how beneficial being good in math is, particularly as a homeschooling mom who sometimes needs to help out financially.  There’s always someone who needs a math tutor! But many times our kids don’t see the benefit of being a Math Ninja, and they need a lot of convincing that this subject is worth spending tons of time on.  So, what can we do to help them learn a subject that has gotten a bad wrap for being boring and tough at the same time? Play simple math games with your kids. Make math fun through games! And you don’t have to come up with these complex, mind blowing games.  You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have with your kids playing simple games.

I find that one of the best ways to make math more fun is by using games.  It’s amazing that our young children love spending time with us.  I’ve heard that one day this may change, but for right now, one of the number one things my kids like to do, is to spend time with me.  And they really enjoy it when we are able to play a fun game together during this time.  A huge tip though is to keep things simple.  As a homeschooling mommy who has other subjects to cover, lunch to fix, dinner to start prepping, errands to run, bills to send off, appointments to make, you already have a lot of things on your plate.  So having simple go-to games that you can play with your kids on a regular basis, can help you to make math more fun while not having to re-invent the wheel (because no one has time for that.)

How to Play Simple Math Coloring Game

I made up a simple Math coloring game that uses dice.  My kids are not the type of kids who generally like to color, but they enjoyed playing this fast paced game.  What I did was take two coloring pages, and numbered different portions of the pages with the numbers 1 thru 6.  Then each child was given a die.  They were given the instructions of rolling their dice, and whatever number came up, they were to color one section of their picture with that number.  The first child to finish coloring his or her entire picture would be the winner.  Boy, oh, boy, my “non-coloring children” became coloring machines.  They were throwing those dice and coloring up a storm trying to be the first person finished.  We used large dice that I purchased at a dollar store.  The next time, to add more learning to the activity, I am going to give each child two dice, and then have them sum the numbers on their dice.  Then they’ll color the number on their page that is the sum of the dice.

So step 1 is to take any random coloring page, and number it from 1 thru 6 in the different sections of the picture.  If you are going to have them work with sums, number the sections 2 thru 12.   For each child, make sure that you number the same number of sections on each child’s coloring page to make the game as fair as possible.  It’s not necessary to use the same picture for each child.  Just make sure you have numbered the same number of sections on each child’s coloring page.  So for example, pick 15 different sections to number in each child’s picture.  Below is an example of me numbering a coloring page.

Then give each child a die.  If you were going to be letting them figure out sums, give each child 2 dice, so that they can roll up to a sum of 12.  Then let the race begin.  Each time they roll the die, they color one section that has that number in it.  My two children who played did not use the same coloring pages, but again, I numbered the same number of sections in each of their pictures.

So, there you go.  A pretty simple way to have your kids practice number recognition or addition.  My kids had fun racing to see who was going to be the first one finished. My son ended up winning this simple math game!

About Shenek Alston

Now, let me tell you a little about me.  I’m a homeschooling mom to three kids ages 9, 5 and 2, and I have a PhD in Statistics.  Before I met my husband, I planned to be a College Professor. Now I’m a homeschooling mom who blogs about ways to make math more fun.  I also teach math for homeschoolers online. In my FREE ONLINE LIVE MATH lessons, I help kids with topics such a fractions, decimals, percents, and integers.  If you are interested in learning more about these lessons please visit Make Math More Fun and have a great time making math more fun with your kids!

Recommended:

First Grade Math Game with Dice

Money Counting Games

Homeschool Math Lessons Online



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Math App for Kindergarten: Zap Zap Math

Fun Learning Game App for Math

This post was sponsored by Zap Zap Math, but all opinions are our own.

Zap Zap Math app for kids in K-6 has a new app just for kindergarten. As homeschoolers, we're always looking for new ways to learn mathematics. The kids always have a tablet, phone, or laptop at their fingertips. And, they are always playing a game. Zap Zap math combines math with fun learning games. The math games are easy to play, full of repetition, and a great way to supplement in the classroom or use for students who need some extra practice. Enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links.

We've been using Zap Zap Math with Mayhem who struggles with math principles. She hates math, but she's actually pretty good at it. She doesn't want to practice or get started. "I already know how to do it." Well, sort of, Mayhem. But math isn't something you learn with one lesson and then move on to something new. Practice makes perfect. So, an educational, fun math app is the perfect solution!

The younger they start, the more fun they have with apps. This little one is addicted to smartphone apps! So, she loves Zap Zap Math for Kindergarten.

Zap Zap Math has been around for awhile. You can get the K-6 math app for free. The latest math game app for kindergartners is only $2.99. This is a fun way to introduce younger children to math concepts. The intergalactic math games are fun to play and full of repetition.

The first time you sign in to Zap Zap Math for Kindergarten, you'll probably have to walk your child through it. The instructions for playing aren't clear and although there is some text that pops up to explain how to play- well, if you can't read, you probably won't be able to play the first game. The next level has a mini tutorial - so kids should be able to figure it out on their own.

As math game play continues, you work to reach new levels. Once you master the concept, reaching new math levels is rather rapid. So, it doesn't get boring like some other math apps for kids.

Our take: The Zap Zap Math app for kindergarten is fast-paced and fun for everyone. With a little help from an adult, preschoolers will enjoy this math app it too!


Recommended:

Tens and Ones Games for Early Elementary

Online Multiplication Games

Tactile Math Games

YA Fiction Moon Magic Online Novel Chapter Five

Moon Magic Chapter Five: YA Fiction

Moon Magic Chapter Five Young Adult Fiction Novel Online. If you haven't read the other chapters, start here: Moon Magic starts here. In Chapter Four, Aurora woke up in the hospital. She thought her mother had finally stopped by for a visit, but Lucas said it wasn't possible. What's up with that? Will we find out in Chapter Five Moon Magic? Read on to find out. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

Complete Novel now available, Allegedly Mystic.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 

France Country Study with Worksheets

French Lessons and Worksheets for Homeschool or Classroom

If you homeschool like we do, you're probably teaching several grade levels at once. For this France Country Study Lesson, we've found worksheets and activities that work for toddlers to tweens to teens. Scroll down for Videos on the French Revolution, French Word Search Printables, Famous Artists, Art Projects, and Games they play in France. School teachers, you'll find fun classroom activities and worksheets that work in a classroom setting too. Enjoy!

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links for your convenience.

France Country Study with Worksheets.

Quick Facts about the Country of France.

Learn to speak French for Free with the Duo Lingo App or these French Language lessons.

This French Flag bookmark craft project from, Start at 5, works for preschoolers to high school.

For Elementary and Middle School, Make a Passport like this one from De Su Mama.

Printable Passport Activity from De Su Mama.

Make an Eiffel Tower with bits of colored straws like this one from Cutting Tiny Bites. While this craft activity is fun for elementary, it also aides preschoolers in fine motor skills.

Eiffel Tower Kids' Activity.

French History Lesson

The French Revolution











The French Revolution on BrainPop. (Must have password.)

Online Educational Game: French Revolution Time Zone X Game

French Revolution Worksheet for Middle School and High School.

Choose a Famous French Scientist and write a Biography.

Games from France

Hopscotch: This game is played outdoors on a flat, paved surface, but you can paint an old sheet or use cardboard squares to play indoors. You can also purchase a hopscotch board for indoor or outdoor play. Each player needs a small item to toss onto the hopscotch squares. Rocks or quarters work well. Not sure how to play? Get the rules to hopscotch.


Petanque: How to Play Petanque





La Semaine or "The Week"  is  played with 1 or more children with chalk and a pebble (pennies work too). Use the chalk to  draw seven squares in a row. Label each square with a day of the week.

Now, a player throws their pebble into the Monday box. If they miss, it is the next player's turn. If they hit it, they must jump on one foot to get to the stone, pick it up while still standing on one foot, and then jump back to the start.

Players repeat for each day of the week (seven times). Repeat the task every time a mistake is made. For example, they trip or hop on two feet. Game is won when one player covers all squares and makes it safely back start.

French Cricket You will need a Cricket bat or tennis racket and ball. Players stand in a circle. The first player stands with their feet together, defending the 'stumps,' which in French Cricket are the batman's legs below the knees. Now, the players in the circle take turns to bowl at the 'stumps' and the batsman must hit the ball away from them. The bowler gets clever to distract the batsman.


If the batman's legs are hit, he's out. He's also out if he moves his feet at any time from the original position. If the bowler, or any of the fielders around the circle, catch the ball before it hits the ground, the batsman is also out. Everyone takes a turn until the batsman is out. The bowler who 'stumps' the batsman takes his place.  

Worksheets

Make your own French Word Search

Muguet du 1er Mai Elementary Coloring Worksheet (First of May)

Printable Language Arts French Quotes Project for Middle School and High School



Famous French Artists










Paint like Matisse with this Still Life Art Lesson for Kids.

After you've learned all about France, get a taste of their culture and celebrate by making French Recipes. Enjoy these French cooking lessons and recipes for kids.



Recommended:

French Word Search Books

French Games for the Classroom

Build a Lego Eiffel Tower

Books about France

Country Study Afghanistan

Country Study China

French Cook books for Kids

50 Things to do for St. Patrick's Day

50 Saint Patrick's Day Activities for Kids and Seniors

Are you in charge of the Saint Patrick's Day festivities? Maybe you plan group activities for a church group, after-school program, nursing home, or a retirement home. If you are planning things to do for a St. Patrick's Day event, you've come to the right place. Whether you need nifty refreshments or fun food to make with the group, we've got a recipe. Play Leprechaun games, make a rainbow craft, or decorate with shamrocks- no matter what you choose be sure to make it fun with these 50 fun things to do. Enjoy!

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50 Things to do for St. Patrick's Day.

20 President's Day Activities for Elementary and Middle School

Elementary and Middle School Activities for President's Day

The Inauguration is over, now it's time to plan for President's Day. President's Day doesn't have to be boring! You can perform a fun classroom skit, visit a local President's home or birthplace, watch a video about presidents, and even make a cute presidential paper bag puppet and have a puppet show. No matter the age of your students, we've got some fun activities for you to do to celebrate President's Day. Enjoy!

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