A Day of Fun with Baby

At birth a baby’s five senses are working. Before you know it this young child is off to explore. As baby grows, this young child is curious, and that curiosity is never satisfied. She throws herself into the business of learning. Through her observations and experiences, she learns about her world. This learning is called PLAY.

From dawn to dusk, there are learning experiences through play that will help a baby develop physically and mentally. Get started on a learning journey with these fun activities:

MORNING:
Morning is a wonderful time of the day. Make it special as you sing this song to the baby about everyone in your center, even including the pets. As the baby hears you sing, he will begin to understand that singing is another way to use your voice and in time will learn some words by repetition. Sing this traditional song to the tune of "Happy Birthday."

Good morning to you,

Good morning to you,

Good morning dear _____, (name of child)

Good morning to you!

Repeat this song, singing to all members of the group.

At breakfast you and the baby can play the “Cereal Game” at his high chair. This simple game teaches valuable skills such as finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination.

Show your little one how to put a piece of breakfast cereal into a plastic bottle. Encourage him to dump it out, then put it back. Invite the child to hold the bottle and to try to get the cereal out. If this is too hard for him, use a paper cup instead. Let him eat the cereal if he wishes, then put another piece of cereal in the bottle or cup, and try the game again.

Spend some bonding time together as you and the baby play a fun finger tapping game. Start your own fingers tapping on the table in front of you. Encourage the baby to imitate you. Develop great tapping rhythms. Tap slowly; tap fast; tap one hand, then two; tap raising your hands high; tap with just one finger. Be creative and watch the child catch on to your game.

Is it exercise or just play? Creative movement with a young child is fun and a rewarding experience for both. Create an interesting obstacle course. Gather together several towels, small pillows, and stuffed toys. Lay them on the floor in variously sized piles. Now top with a blanket or a large sheet. Baby will enjoy this new terrain with things to creep around, over, and push off from—a challenging obstacle course for Baby. One of Baby’s greatest pleasures will be you imitating his style. So, down on all fours; the child will take the lead and look to see if you are following. He’ll squeal with delight as you chase and follow him around the room. “Here I come; I’m going to catch you!” Don’t fail to hug and hold him close after he’s been caught.

NOON:

Infants benefit by having someone sing to them and dance or walk rhythmically while holding them. Babies often move their arms and feet when being swayed to music; later they will be able to feel and move to the beat of the music by themselves. Even before a baby can walk very well, they can begin to make music. Have him sit on the floor and explore the sounds of drumming on pots, pans and bowls with wooden spoons or other safe household utensils. Children can also be given various musical toys, such as a Xylophone, piano, triangle, bells, maracas, drums, and tambourines on which to play. In this way, he begins to learn about the sound of music and in a very rudimentary way to create his own music.

Check the recycle bin, sewing box and drawers for items to make a “see and sound” rattle for your little one. Take a clean plastic water bottle, putting in colorful ribbons, feathers, beads, bells, uncooked rice or pasta. Run a bead of permanent glue along the lid or seal the top securely with duct tape. As the baby shakes this instrument he can see pretty objects and hear unique sounds

Here’s a game to teach the child the difference between up and down. Help your little one raise his body up and up until he is on his tiptoes. Repeat the word, “up, up, up” as you do this movement. Now, have him lower his body to the floor. “ Down, down, down.” Repeat this game as often as the child likes.

NAP TIME:

You may wish to sing a lullaby to help baby nod off to sleep. This song shows how animals take care of their young as well. Tuck the baby in for a nap the same way animals put their babies to sleep. Sing this song with a soft voice and whisper the animal sounds. Use the tune, "Frere Jacques"/"Are You Sleeping."

Mother dog, mother dog,

Sings to her puppy, sings to her puppy,

Woof, woof, woof,

Woof, woof, woof,

Sleep baby puppy, sleep baby puppy.

Continue with other verses about animals and their babies.

—SLEEP TIGHT!

I hope these ideas will help providers who have babies and toddlers in their program. Do you have some ideas to share? Click on the comment link below to add your ideas or go over to our CHILD CARE CHAT FORUM and start a post. We’d love to hear from you!

Tania

Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC