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