Classroom Activities

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child drawing

The Squirrel Project  

Project Approach, Project Examples
girl with ballots

Voting Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
children playing with blocks

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Tool Kits
Curiosity and Initiative

Curiosity and Initiative

Early Learning Moments Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Early Learning Moments Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
Persistence, Effort, & Attentiveness

Persistence, Effort, & Attentiveness

Early Learning Moments Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
children's drawings

Implementing the Project Approach in Inclusive Classrooms

Podcasts
children in a classroom

Coaching Others in Implementing the Project Approach

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
boy at sensory table

Exploring the Sensory Table

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
child doing art at a table

You’ve Got Blue Hands

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
child drawing

Looks Swampy

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Child with water pipe

“Where Does the Water Go?” Investigating Pipes and Plumbing

Project Approach, Project Examples
Pass the Ball Versus Pass the Remote: Supporting Preschoolers’ Physical Activity

Pass the Ball Versus Pass the Remote: Supporting Preschoolers’ Physical Activity

Blogs, Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays
Get Growing With Your Young Children

Get Growing With Your Young Children

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
Challenge Young Artists to Create in Three Dimensions

Challenge Young Artists to Create in Three Dimensions

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
Process Play and STEAM: Getting Started

Process Play and STEAM: Getting Started

Podcasts
The Pumpkin Project

The Pumpkin Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
Traditional Costumes Project

Traditional Costumes Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
Explore STEAM with Young Children

Explore STEAM with Young Children

Resource Lists
Adjusting Pace and Location of Project Work

Adjusting Pace and Location of Project Work

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
Retelling “Caps for Sale”

Retelling “Caps for Sale”

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Talking About Numbers and Letters

Talking About Numbers and Letters

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Numbers on a chalkboard

Mathematize! (audio)

Podcasts
Abstract paint strokes

The Project Approach: Display and Documentation Techniques

Resource Lists
Imagination and Fantasy in Early Childhood

Imagination and Fantasy in Early Childhood

Resource Lists
Children playing at a water table

Children’s Play – More than Fun and Games

Resource Lists
Toddler sitting with mother

Saying ‘No’ to Your Child

Resource Lists
Discovering the World of Insects on the Playground

Discovering the World of Insects on the Playground

Project Approach, Project Examples
Parallel Talk: A Simple Way to Provide English Vocabulary

Parallel Talk: A Simple Way to Provide English Vocabulary

Blogs, Dual Language Learners
Toddler playing with cars with numbers on them

Mathematize!

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
The Music Project

The Music Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
The House Project

The House Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
Tools People Use

Tools People Use

Project Approach, Project Examples
Up Up and Away: The Airplane Project

Up Up and Away: The Airplane Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish…NEW Fish: A Preschool Fish Project

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish…NEW Fish: A Preschool Fish Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
The Cow Project

The Cow Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
The Tamale Project

The Tamale Project

Project Approach, Project Examples
Cooking with Spinach

Cooking with Spinach

Project Approach, Project Examples
How Do People Celebrate Birthdays?

How Do People Celebrate Birthdays?

Project Approach, Project Examples
Garden Project Sprouts From Simple Question: “What’s That?”

Garden Project Sprouts From Simple Question: “What’s That?”

Project Approach, Project Examples
The Tractor Project: Noisy Neighbors Lead to Investigation

The Tractor Project: Noisy Neighbors Lead to Investigation

Project Approach, Project Examples
Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 2—Organizing the Children’s Web

Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 2—Organizing the Children’s Web

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach
Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 1—Creating the Children's Web

Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 1—Creating the Children’s Web

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach
Helping Children Take Surveys

Helping Children Take Surveys

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach
Helping Children Sketch and Draw from Observation

Helping Children Sketch and Draw from Observation

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach
Investigating Wheels

Investigating Wheels

Project Approach, Project Guides
Snack Time

Snack Time

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
Over Here

Over Here

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
Let’s Get Up

Let’s Get Up

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
Filling the Trains

Filling the Trains

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
All Done

All Done

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos
Chalkboard drawing of two people saying hello in English and Spanish

Helping DLLs Learn in Two Languages During Early Childhood

Blogs, Dual Language Learners
What's in the Box

What’s in the Box

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Transitioning

Transitioning

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Talking about Waterslide Models

Talking about Waterslide Models

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Sara Measures

Sara Measures

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
One Morning in the Block Area

One Morning in the Block Area

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
One Morning at the Construction Table

One Morning at the Construction Table

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley: Learning Through an Action Song

Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley: Learning Through an Action Song

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Magnets and Cars

Magnets and Cars

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Learning about a Stethoscope

Learning about a Stethoscope

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Keep It Moving: Playing With Hoops

Keep It Moving: Playing With Hoops

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Ideas about a Marble Run

Ideas about a Marble Run

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Fine Motor Skills and Safety

Fine Motor Skills and Safety

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Explaining Cradle Construction

Explaining Cradle Construction

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
boy with science project

An Engineer Changes His Mind

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Drawing a Friend

Drawing a Friend

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Creative Movement: The Flower Dance

Creative Movement: The Flower Dance

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Constructing a Cradle

Constructing a Cradle

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Child using chalk on the sidewalk

Out and About with Preschoolers: Visual Arts

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Children’s Votes Count!

Children’s Votes Count!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
crayons

Sorting, Classifying, and Organizing

Graphic Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets
Pour It! Stir It! Yum!

Pour It! Stir It! Yum!

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
Project Approach: Phase 1—Getting Started

Project Approach: Phase 1—Getting Started

Tip Sheets
child working on a project

Project Approach for Preschoolers

Tip Sheets
Children playing on the playground in the winter

Young Children Need to Play!

Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets
Making Preliminary Field Trips

Making Preliminary Field Trips

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
Your Child's First Day in Preschool

Your Child’s First Day in Preschool

Tip Sheets
Sharing Books with Your Toddler

Sharing Books with Your Toddler

Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets
Numbers and geometric shapes on a table

Learning Math Words: Family and Caregiver Conversations

Blogs, Dual Language Learners
children with puppets

What Puppets Can Mean to Children, Part 2

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
Comparing Firefighter Coats

Comparing Firefighter Coats

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos
Child playing in leaves

Project Approach: Phase 1—Choosing a Topic to Investigate

Tip Sheets
Children playing with puppets

What Puppets Can Mean to Children

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
child with clipboard

Visual Schedules and Checklists

Blogs, Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays
children playing with blocks

Make Room for Blocks!

IELDS Resources, Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
It Takes Money: Economics for Preschoolers

It Takes Money: Economics for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Helping Preschoolers Learn in Two Languages

Helping Preschoolers Learn in Two Languages

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Get Growing: Planning a Garden with Young Children

Get Growing: Planning a Garden with Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Get Growing: Learning about Seeds

Get Growing: Learning about Seeds

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Get Growing: From Seeds to Sprouts

Get Growing: From Seeds to Sprouts

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Games for All Young Children

Games for All Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
child watching clouds

Encouraging Scientific Thinking: Rain or Shine

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Drama and Young Children

Drama and Young Children

IELDS Resources, Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
child with test tubes

CSI: Child Scientist Investigates!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
two boys with bubbles

Cooperation Across the Preschool Curriculum: Science

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
children playing natural area

Who’s the Leader?

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
What’s Next? Predictions at Story Time

What’s Next? Predictions at Story Time

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
child with toy

Toys from Throwaways: Let’s Recycle!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Time for Preschoolers: In Sequence!

Time for Preschoolers: In Sequence!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Time for Preschoolers: Duration

Time for Preschoolers: Duration

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Things We Need: Economics for Preschoolers

Things We Need: Economics for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Sing, Play, and Hear: Music’s in the Air

Sing, Play, and Hear: Music’s in the Air

IELDS Resources, Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Project Approach: Helping Preschoolers Represent What They Learn

Project Approach: Helping Preschoolers Represent What They Learn

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Project Approach: Helping Children Ask Questions

Project Approach: Helping Children Ask Questions

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
boy with clipboard

Project Approach: Children Taking Surveys

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
girl writing at table with classmates

The Power of the Pen: Let Children Choose Writing Centers!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Playground Physics: Watch for Falling Objects!

Playground Physics: Watch for Falling Objects!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Playground Physics: Hang in There!

Playground Physics: Hang in There!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
children exercising

Physical Fitness for Preschool-Age Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
children counting candy

Path to Math: Word Problems for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Path to Math: More Word Problems for Preschoolers

Path to Math: More Word Problems for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
number toys

Path to Math: More Numbers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
child measuring a plant

Path to Math: Measurement with Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
shape blocks

Path to Math: Geometric Thinking for Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Path to Math: Classification

Path to Math: Classification

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
child plays with letter blocks

Path to Math: Beginning Numbers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
shadows of children

Out and About with Preschoolers: Sunshine Science

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
dad in business suit walking with daughter in metro area

Neighborhood Geography with Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Math Sense: Learning about Coins

Math Sense: Learning about Coins

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Natural Illinois: Mammals

Natural Illinois: Mammals

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Natural Illinois: Rock On!

Natural Illinois: Rock On!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
child looking at leaves

Natural Illinois: Leaves Are All Around

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Building Endurance: Let's Get Physical!

Building Endurance: Let’s Get Physical!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 26.B.ECa

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 26.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.B.ECa

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 23.B.ECb

Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 23.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 19.B.ECb

Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 19.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.B.ECb

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.A.ECb

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.A.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 11.A.ECf

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 11.A.ECf

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 9.B.ECa

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 9.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 7.A.ECc

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 7.A.ECc

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 6.B.ECb

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 6.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 5.B.ECb

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 5.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 4.D.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 4.D.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 3.B.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 3.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 2.B.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 2.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 1.C.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 1.C.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 10.B.ECa

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 10.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.A.ECc

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.A.ECc

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources
A Multiage Project on “How Things Work”: An Unexpected Adventure

A Multiage Project on “How Things Work”: An Unexpected Adventure

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
What Teachers Should Know About Instruction for English Language Learners

What Teachers Should Know About Instruction for English Language Learners

Blogs, Dual Language Learners
children writing

Cooperation in the Preschool Classroom: Class Discussions

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks
Outdoor Field Trips with Preschoolers: Preparing with the Children

Outdoor Field Trips with Preschoolers: Preparing with the Children

Tip Sheets
Discussing Project Work with Children in Inclusive Classrooms

Discussing Project Work with Children in Inclusive Classrooms

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
Project Topics in Neighborhoods Where Safety Is a Major Concern

Project Topics in Neighborhoods Where Safety Is a Major Concern

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
Sharing Books with Your Baby

Sharing Books with Your Baby

Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets
number toys

Learning Math Through Games

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together
Drawings of seeds by children

Developing a Class Album

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
child with ball

Tearless Transitions

Tip Sheets
Children holding soil over a bin the classroom

Responding to Children’s Interest in a Topic

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
Children decorating a cake on a table

Building an Appetite for Project Work

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach
wagon

Project Approach: Phase 3—Concluding the Project

Tip Sheets
children working on project

Project Approach: Phase 2—Doing Fieldwork

Tip Sheets
Project Approach: Phase 2—Getting Ready for Fieldwork

Project Approach: Phase 2—Getting Ready for Fieldwork

Tip Sheets
children with crayons

Getting Ready to Read and Write in Child Care

Tip Sheets