Lesson Plan: Indoor Activities for Pre-Toddlers
Duration: 30 Minutes
Age Group: Preschool / Nursery
Objectives
- To engage children in creative play that enhances motor skills.
- To promote social interaction among peers.
- To encourage imaginative thinking through structured activities.
Materials Needed
- Soft building blocks
- Large colorful balls (soft and light)
- Art supplies (finger paints, paper, crayons)
- Musical instruments (shakers, tambourines)
- Plush toys or dolls
- A small parachute or soft blanket
- Storybooks
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Gather the Children: Have all children sit in a circle on a mat.
- Welcome Song: Begin with a cheerful welcome song to set a positive tone.
- Explain Activities: Briefly introduce the activities planned for the session to get the children excited.
2. Building Fun (10 Minutes)
- Activity: Soft Building Blocks
- Instructions:
- Provide various soft building blocks.
- Encourage children to work together to build a structure.
- Facilitate sharing and cooperation by challenging them to create the tallest tower or a specific object, like a house or a bridge.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Encourages problem-solving and teamwork.
3. Ball Games (5 Minutes)
- Activity: Large Colorful Balls
- Instructions:
- Introduce large, soft balls for rolling and tossing.
- Guide the children to practice rolling the ball to each other, emphasizing taking turns.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Enhances gross motor skills and social skills through group play.
4. Creative Expression (5 Minutes)
- Activity: Art Time
- Instructions:
- Hand out finger paints and paper or crayons.
- Allow children to explore colors and create their artwork.
- Encourage them to share their creations and explain what they’ve drawn or painted.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Fosters creativity and self-expression.
- Encourages sensory exploration.
5. Music and Movement (5 Minutes)
- Activity: Musical Instruments
- Instructions:
- Distribute simple musical instruments like shakers and tambourines.
- Play a fun song and have the children follow the rhythm.
- Encourage them to dance and express themselves through movement.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Develops rhythm and coordination.
- Encourages self-expression and enjoyment of music.
6. Storytime Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Activity: Storytime
- Instructions:
- Gather the children back in a circle with plush toys or dolls.
- Choose a short, engaging storybook to read aloud.
- Encourage children to ask questions or comment on the story.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Promotes language development and listening skills.
- Encourages imagination and comprehension.
Wrap-Up
- Review the Day’s Activities: Briefly go over what activities were done and what children enjoyed the most.
- Goodbye Song: End with a goodbye song to conclude the lesson on a positive note.
Tips for Success
- Be flexible and ready to adapt activities based on the children's mood and energy levels.
- Ensure safety by supervising children during physical activities.
- Encourage participation by praising children for their efforts and creativity.
- Foster an inclusive environment where all children feel comfortable expressing themselves.
This lesson plan engages pre-toddlers in a variety of stimulating indoor activities while promoting their physical, social, and cognitive development in a fun and interactive way.