Square One: A Division of the Virginia Business Coalition on Health.
Early Care/Education
Activities for Young Children
Infants
- Make mobiles with colored shapes or objects for eye stimulation
- Sing a lullaby or play music and "move" with your child
- Use a lightweight scarf to play "peek-a-boo"
- Make a textured block out of material such as satin, velvet, corduroy, and flannel
- Provide a variety of interesting objects for the child to practice their thumb and index finger in a pincher grip
- Read, read, read storybooks
- Make a baby book with pictures of the infant and family members
- Create musical instruments with paper plates, bells, rattles, wooden spoons, and other objects
- Provide "tummy time" on the floor for the infant to build upper body strength
Toddlers
- Toss/catch a small ball
- Play "Ring around the Rosy"
- Provide playdough for the child to manipulate
- Finger paint with pudding - Let them taste too!
- Play a "Body Part" Game -Touch your nose, head, ear, tummy, leg, etc.
- Provide lots of books - Children need their own to handle and love!
- Play a follow directions game - "Can you close the door?", "Bring me the ball, please.", "Can you find the red ball?", etc.
- Sing songs - "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"
- Play outside - Sand, water, riding, and push toys should be available
