Early Head Start Homework

Math

Shape Walk

1. Head outside with your child for a walk.
   
2. Look for differently-shaped objects at your child's eye level.
   
3. Point to the objects and talk about their shape. If possible, trace the shape's outline with your finger.
   
4. Try to direct your child's eyes to the object you're talking about by saying their name and pointing to it.

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Social-Emotional Learning

On the Floor

1. Find a time when your baby is calm, alert, and ready to play.
   
2. Lay your baby on a blanket with toys (baby toys, a scarf, board books, small bowls, a wooden spoon, etc.).
   
3. Observe what items your child is interested in. Describe the objects and how your child is interacting with them.
   
4. When it's time to move on to another activity (or your baby becomes unhappy) tell them how much you loved playing and what you'll do next with your day.

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Language & Literacy

First Words

1. When you're teaching me the names of common objects, use lots of repetition. The best way for me to learn is to hear the word over and over again.
   
2. If I gesture that I want something, say the word for the object and use it in a short sentence.
   
3. When I begin to try to say words, I might use one word to communicate a complete thought. Try to guess what I mean and repeat it back to me in a sentence.
   
4. Try to model short phrases that I might be able to say, like: "More!," "All gone," or "Want up!"

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Science

Mud Kitchen

1. Head outside to a backyard, park, or sandbox wearing clothes you can get dirty and wet in. Bring props for your mud kitchen: plastic bowls, spoons, measuring cups, funnels, etc.
   
2. Use a hose or water fountain to fill some containers. Bring your supplies to a spot with dirt, sand, small rocks, or wood chips.
   
3. Encourage your child to mix the water with dirt, sand, and wood chips. Can they make mud pies, sand cupcakes, or rock soup? How does their mixture change as they add more 'stuff' or more water into it?
   
4. If possible, have your child help clean up with a hose or a sink when you're done.

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