Toddler Lesson Plans

Alphabet Block Lesson Plans

Alphabet Block Art

​Activity:  ​

Alphabet Block Art

Age Group:

Toddler

​* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with preschoolers.

Objectives:

Children will:

• encourage creativity and fine motor skills.

​CDA Competency Standard:

II.7.1a

• Activities and materials encourage children to express themselves through the visual arts.

a) Art materials and activities are available for children daily

Materials:

• Alphabet blocks
  
• Washable paint
  
• Large sheets of paper

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Paint: Pour different colors of washable paint into shallow trays.
2. Stamp the Blocks: Have the children dip the alphabet blocks into the paint and stamp them onto the paper to create colorful prints.
3. Create Patterns: Encourage the children to create patterns or spell out words with the stamped letters.
4. Discuss the Letters: Talk about the letters they used and the words they formed.

Assessment:

• Observe and document the child's art creativity
• Record letter recognition
• Was the child able to paint/print words

Note:  Please provide appropriate supervision to the children in your care when completing all activities. You will need to decide what types of activities are safe for the children in your care.  Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when providing art and sensory experiences for children.  Toddlers require special caution, only use non-toxic materials, and do not allow toddlers to put things in their mouths that are a choking hazard. ​

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Benefits of Creativity and the Arts

By integrating creativity and the arts into early childhood education, we can support the holistic development of children, helping them to grow into well-rounded, innovative, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

Cognitive Development: Engaging in arts activities significantly enhances children’s problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. These activities stimulate brain development and lay a strong foundation for future academic success. By exploring different artistic mediums, children learn to approach problems from various angles and develop innovative solutions.

Self-Expression and Confidence: The arts provide a vital platform for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This self-expression is crucial for building confidence and self-esteem. When children see their creative efforts valued and appreciated, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride, which boosts their overall confidence.

​Emotional Development: Creative activities offer children a safe outlet to express their emotions and cope with their feelings. This process can lead to better emotional regulation and increased self-awareness. Through art, children learn to understand and articulate their emotions, which is essential for their emotional growth and well-being.

Social Skills: Participating in group creative activities, such as collaborative art projects or drama, helps children develop essential social skills like communication, cooperation, and empathy. These experiences teach them how to work effectively with others, understand different perspectives, and build strong interpersonal relationships.
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Lifelong Learning: Creativity fosters a love for learning and an openness to new experiences. Children who are encouraged to be creative are more likely to become lifelong learners who are adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. This adaptability and resilience are invaluable traits that will benefit them throughout their lives, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and curiosity.