Tuesday, April 22, 2014

WHAT’S INSIDE the BAG? Families and caregivers help mobile infants learn to think.


 Cognitive Development: Mobile Infants (8 to 18 months)



Mobile infants are explorers of space and objects. They need safe spaces and materials to explore on their own and to try new things. Mobile infants need toys that stack and nest to encourage them to solve problems. Mobile infants begin to pretend and imitate the activities of others as they play with toys such as dolls and telephones. Mobile infants learn concepts as they play. For example, they learn the opposites of “full” and “empty” by “filling” and “dumping.” By understanding a mobile infant’s development and needs, families and caregivers can better promote their cognitive development.
 As they learn to learn mobile infants engage in play, which is an important ingredient for cognitive development. They experiment, discover, and begin to learn concepts. They apply what they already know to new situations. They develop and create new strategies for problem solving. 

Activity
What you need: A brown paper sack, a small cloth bag or an adult sized tube sock
Before you begin: Gather up several familiar objects; a rattle, a soft toy, a set of plastic keys, blocks, ball, a big spoon, a toy car.

Allow your child to explore the toys and materials.

Now try this!

Begin by letting your child see you place a couple of the familiar objects into the bag.
Shake up the objects as your child watches. Say, “I wonder what’s in my bag?”
Let your child touch the bag. Then let him put his hand down in the bag without peeking and feel the toys. As your child touches the objects, say, “Oh my, let’s see what you’re touching?”

Let him take it out and show it to you. Encourage him with your enthusiasm. “Surprise, there’s your keys!”
Talk about the toys.
Continue to explore the contents of the bag.
Repeat the activity as long as your child is interested.

Try this variation of the activity!
Vary the objects from time to time. Use household and personal objects such as measuring spoons, a whisk, a small mirror or a brush.
Vary the texture and sounds of the objects.

From the Arkansas Dept. of Human Services www.state.ar.us/childcare