Whether you are running a day-care center, a play group or supervising your own children, having a plan can make the day go more smoothly. Focusing on safe, fun and engaging educational activities that are timed appropriately for young children can help you establish a learning foundation for letter, number and color identification that children will master as they grow.

Learning Goals
Babies and toddlers are the world's greatest learners. Simply smiling and talking about everyday occurrences conveys volumes to these eager students, because they are absorbing every minute. Get outside to experience nature and use other media, such as movies, television and computers, to provide exposure to age-appropriate productions that aren't available locally. Because each child is different, establish a plan that suits the child's developmental needs.

Infant Activities
Establish a daily plan to expose babies to a variety of sights, sounds, objects and experiences. A repertoire of games, songs and rhymes can coincide with meals, naps and diaper changes. Go to a library and find books that will expand your knowledge beyond such classics as peek-a-boo and patty-cake. Use pictures and mirrors to delight young children while enhancing their recognition skills.

Toddler Activities
Establish a monthly theme and plan activities, snacks and crafts that support that topic. For example, you might choose the alphabet for the month of September, focusing on a different letter each day. Starting with the letter A, you can count apples and use halved apples as stamps (dip in red paint and plot on white paper for a somewhat messy dramatic effect that toddlers will love.) You also might try new foods (being careful for food allergies) beginning with the letter A as in "avocado." Sing silly songs about topics beginning with your chosen letter and organize simple games, such as "hide the item," to incorporate physical activity into your day. Read books with titles that begin with the letter. If a child's name begins with that letter, award the child a crown and certificate as a special honor.

Have a plan for discipline and redirecting negative behavior during your instructional sessions. Removing a child from the action for a few minutes--the length of time depending on the infraction--typically does not work well because babies cannot reference time. Once you sense that the child feels some remorse, the lesson has been learned.