 |
|
|
|
Let It Pour (Fig. 3)
This outdoor summer activity promotes both eye-hand coordination and coordination in general.
- Place a plastic sheet or old tablecloth on the porch, patio or grass, and seat the baby on it, along with two large plastic cups - one empty and one filled with water or sand.
- Demonstrate pouring the water or sand from one cup to the other.
- Encourage the baby to try it!
Also:
- Later you can use two cups of different shapes that hold the same amount - for example, one 8-ounce cup that's short and squat and one 8-ounce cup that's tall and narrow.
- Fill one cup to the rim and demonstrate pouring the water or sand from one cup to the other.
- Encourage the baby to try it, too.
|
|
|
|
Creepy/Crawly (Fig. 4)
Crawling and creeping not only help your baby get around but also use the right and left sides of the body at the same time. This helps later with reading and writing skills.
- Lay the baby on her tummy on a carpet or smooth, clean surface.
- Place a favorite toy in front of her, just out of her reach.
- Encourage her to go get it.
Also:
- Let the baby reach and retrieve the toy, but then make a game out of moving it out of reach again.
- Repeat as long as the baby stays interested.
|
|
|
|
More Ideas for Infants:
- Splish-Splash: Place a plastic sheet on the floor or outdoor area and some warm water in a large bowl, on top of the sheet. Sit the baby by the bowl. Demonstrate splashing lightly, and encourage the baby to try it.
- I've Got Your Nose: Playfully wiggle the infant's nose with your fingertips, exclaiming, "I've got your nose!" Continue with other body parts, like fingers, toes, knees, feet, hands, cheeks, and tummy, always excitedly naming each part.
- "This Little Piggy": Playing traditional games like this one also helps create body awareness in infants.
- Puppet Play: Help your baby develop visual skills by lying him face up and then playfully moving a hand or finger puppet where he can see it - up and down, back and forth, and around in circles.
|
|
|