Cognitive Development
Sandbox Treasures
Bury some small objects (big enough to avoid choking hazard) in the sandbox or a bin with sand, rice, shredded paper or dry oatmeal. Challenge your infant to find the buried treasure.
Physical Literacy
Bubble Chasers
Blow bubbles outside and encourage your little one to chase the bubbles. This helps them develop control of large muscles for movement, navigation and balance.
Social-Emotional Development
Celebrating Me
Teach your little one ways to celebrate their successes, such as high fives, thumbs up, hugs and raising hands or others that you know. Also use words to affirm their success, such as “Way to go!” and “You did it!”
Language Development
Sing, Sing a Song
Sing a familiar song with your child. Stop singing before singing the last word of the line or before some other important word in the song. See if your child can fill in the missing word. If they don’t fill in the word, just keep singing. Repeat this activity often to help them catch on.
Creative Activity
Finger Painting with Edible Paint
painting baby hand[/caption]
Use the following recipe to make edible finger paint for your infant to enjoy creating a masterpiece.
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup boiling water
- Food colouring
Start by mixing the cornstarch and cold water. Keep stirring until it is no longer powdery. Add the boiling water, a little at a time. Stir before adding more, to be sure you get the right consistency. Add food colouring, stir and cool.
Provide a piece of paper and encourage your infant to explore the paint. This could get messy. Consider dressing them in old clothes or just their diaper and painting outside in the sunshine.
Additional Resources:
https://www.storylineonline.net/ - Running out of books to read? Visit this website for a selection of books read aloud by actors and actresses.
http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/index.php - This Centre for Early Literacy Learning website has some posters for parents on simple ways to enhance literacy learning through everyday activities and routines. From the home page click on products and then choose CELLpops and posters from the drop-down menu for ideas to use with your infant, toddler or preschool child.
Learning at Home Infant Week 23
Learning at Home Infant Week 10
