Learning in early childhood most often occurs indoors, within classrooms and other structured spaces. However, meaningful learning is not limited to four walls. For many children, especially those who benefit from movement, sensory input, and flexible environments, outdoor and natural settings can support focus, regulation, and engagement in ways traditional spaces sometimes cannot.
The activities shared here are designed to be developmentally appropriate, adaptable, and intentional. While many can be used indoors, they also encourage learning through nature, play, and exploration. For some children, including those with disabilities or those who experience challenges with attention and sensory processing, engaging in learning activities in natural environments can provide a more supportive and effective pathway to participation and understanding.
These free early childhood activities are offered to support educators and families in creating learning experiences that honor children’s diverse needs, strengths, and ways of engaging with the world, whether within or beyond the classroom.
Activities for Families
These at-home activities are designed to support learning through everyday moments, without turning parents into teachers. Each activity fits naturally into daily routines and encourages conversation, reflection, and connection.
Best for families with preschool and early elementary children.
Skill focus
Language development • emotional awareness • independence • family connection
Activities for Educators- Preschool
These preschool activities are hands-on, language-rich, and reflection-based. They are designed to support meaningful interaction, social-emotional development, and play-based learning, without relying on worksheets-for-the-sake-of-worksheets.
Best for preschool teachers, assistants, and early learning programs.
Oral language • social-emotional learning • problem-solving • play-based thinking
Activities for Educators- Kindergarten–3rd
These activities support growing independence, deeper thinking, and community connection while remaining developmentally respectful. They are designed to encourage reflection, self-regulation, and thoughtful participation.
Best for kindergarten through third-grade classrooms and small groups.
Reflection • self-regulation • collaboration • executive functioning
One Thing I Tried / One Thing I Learned
One Thing I Tried / One Thing I Learned helps students reflect on effort, learning, and growth. This activity encourages persistence, self-awareness, and meaningful written reflection.
My Thinking Changed When…
My Thinking Changed When… helps students reflect on how learning experiences shape their ideas. This activity supports deeper thinking, written expression, and awareness of personal learning growth.
Tell Me More Prompt Page
The Tell Me More Prompt Page provides teachers with open-ended sentence starters that encourage children to expand their thinking, explain ideas, and engage in rich classroom discussions.
Story Retell Mats
Story Retell Mats support comprehension and storytelling by helping children draw and describe the beginning, middle, and end of a story. Designed to strengthen sequencing, language, and narrative skills
🌅 Morning Choice Talk Sheet
This Morning Choice Talk Sheet gives children a simple way to share how they’re feeling through drawing or choosing an option. Designed to support communication, emotional awareness, and meaningful family conversations at home.
🌤️ Weekend Reflection Strip
The Weekend Reflection Strip invites children to draw one meaningful moment and share their words with a supportive adult. This simple activity builds reflection, communication, and confidence in everyday family routines.
📘 Differentiated Lesson Plan Collection
Free differentiated lesson plans designed for preschool through elementary educators. Support diverse learners with adaptable instruction, small-group planning, and inclusive teaching strategies.