Free sample

A free sample: one day of September, for all three ages

This is Tuesday, September 1, from the week "Welcome to September". It's exactly what subscribers get every weekday: one activity for each age, with what you'll need, the activity, why it matters, safety notes, and the Minnesota early learning standards it works on.

Prints one activity per page, in black and white.

Infant (6 weeks – 12 months)

Mirror Faces

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Theme: Welcome to September: Getting to Know You

What you'll need

An unbreakable, wall-mounted or freestanding baby-safe mirror (acrylic, not glass)
A clean blanket or mat for the floor

The activity

Lay each baby on their tummy (or hold babies who aren't yet doing tummy time) in front of the mirror. Narrate what you see: "Who's that baby? That's you! Look at your nose, your eyes, your big smile." Point to your own face too, and back to theirs. For babies who can sit, prop them supported in front of the mirror instead. Keep sessions short — 3 to 5 minutes per baby is plenty at this age.

Why it matters

Mirror play supports early self-awareness and is a natural setting for the back-and-forth talk that builds language, well before babies can talk back.

Safety notes

Mirror must be acrylic/baby-safe, not glass, and securely mounted or heavy enough not to tip.
Never leave a baby alone during tummy time, even for a moment.
Wipe the mirror and mat down between uses per your usual sanitizing routine.

Minnesota's early learning standards (ECIPs)

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress this activity supports:

L1.2 Language, Literacy and Communications, Language comprehension (Birth to 6 months): "Watches caregiver actions and gestures"
In this activity: Baby watches you point to your own face and then back to theirs in the mirror.
P1.2 Physical and Movement Development, Early infancy - reflexive movements (0-1 year): "Laying on tummy, holds head up"
In this activity: Baby lies on their tummy and lifts their head to look at the mirror.
AL1.1 Approaches to Learning, Inquisitiveness (0-1 year): "Shows interest in the environment primarily through looking and listening"
In this activity: Baby looks at the faces in the mirror and listens as you name eyes, nose, and smile.

Toddler (1 – 2 years)

Hello, Friends!

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Theme: Welcome to September: Getting to Know You

What you'll need

Nothing but the kids and a little floor space
Optional: a soft ball or beanbag to pass around

The activity

Gather toddlers in a circle (sitting or standing — wherever they land is fine at this age). Go around and say each child's name with a simple wave: "Hello, [name]! We're so glad you're here." If you have a soft ball, roll it to each child as you say their name and let them roll it back. Sing a simple hello song to the tune of "Frère Jacques" — "Hello, [name], hello, [name], how are you? How are you? We are glad you're here today, we are glad you're here today, yes we are! Yes we are!" — swapping in each child's name.

Why it matters

A predictable, name-by-name greeting routine helps toddlers feel individually seen and gives them a daily anchor point, which is especially settling on the first days back after a summer schedule change.

Safety notes

If using a ball, choose one too large to be a choking hazard and free of small removable parts.
Toddlers this age can be unsteady standing in a circle — keep the group on a soft surface (rug or mat) and stay within arm's reach.

Minnesota's early learning standards (ECIPs)

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress this activity supports:

SS2.4 Social Systems, Civics (1-2 years): "Shows interest in other children and objects"
In this activity: Toddlers sit in the circle as each friend is greeted by name and the ball is rolled around.
SS2.3 Social Systems, Civics (1-2 years): "Develops an expectation and understanding of routines within a familiar environment"
In this activity: Toddlers take part in the same name-by-name hello, a routine they come to expect each day.
L5.3 Language, Literacy and Communications, Phonological awareness (6-15 months): "Shows interest in songs, rhymes, chants, and stories"
In this activity: Toddlers listen to the hello song sung with each child's name.

Preschool (3 – 5 years)

All About Me Poster

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Theme: Welcome to September: Getting to Know You

What you'll need

One sheet of paper per child
Crayons or washable markers
A hand mirror (optional, for self-portraits)

The activity

Give each child a sheet of paper divided into four boxes (fold it in half twice, or draw lines beforehand). Ask them to draw: (1) themselves, (2) their favorite food, (3) something they're good at, and (4) someone in their family. Walk around and write down what each child tells you about their drawings — most preschoolers can talk about their picture in more detail than they can draw it. Close with circle time where each child holds up their poster and shares one thing with the group.

Why it matters

Talking through a self-made drawing builds expressive language and self-confidence, and hearing from every child by name on day one helps set a welcoming tone for the month.

Safety notes

Use washable, non-toxic markers/crayons labeled AP or CP (nontoxic) — standard for this age, but worth checking if you've bought new supplies.
If a child mouths crayons or markers, redirect — most classroom supplies are non-toxic but not food.

Minnesota's early learning standards (ECIPs)

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress this activity supports:

S2.6 Social and Emotional Development, Self Awareness (4-5 years, K Readiness): "Shows increasingly accurate understanding of own strengths, preferences, limitations, and personal qualities"
In this activity: Children draw their favorite food and something they're good at.
L3.10 Language, Literacy and Communications, Vocabulary and syntax (3-4 years): "Uses short sentences to shares information about experiences, people, places, and things"
In this activity: Children tell you about their drawings while you write down what they say.
P5.17 Physical and Movement Development, Dexterity (4-5 years, K Readiness): "Draws stick people and some objects"
In this activity: Children draw themselves and someone in their family.
AL3.8 Approaches to Learning, Attending (4-5 years, K Readiness): "Participates in large group activities and discussions"
In this activity: Each child holds up their poster and shares one thing at circle time.

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Subscribers get an activity like these for every age, every weekday, with a new theme each week, a calendar to print by day or by week, and a Compliance Tip of the Month.

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