Early Head Start Homework

Language & Literacy

Homemade Books

1. Gather safe and child-friendly materials with different textures to create a homemade book for your child (examples: corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, fabric, aluminum foil, tissue paper, etc.)
   
2. Cut the materials into squares and assemble as a book with about 4 pages. Secure the book with non-toxic glue, a staple, or a key ring.
   
3. Create simple pictures on top of the materials with drawings, paint, or collages (like pictures from magazines or newspapers).
   
4. Give the book to your child for them to explore on their own. See if they'll open it and begin to interact with the pages.

Full Guidance

Creativity

Sounds Around Me

1. Gather some objects that make noise (like: rattle, bell, two blocks to bang together, crinkly paper, musical instrument, etc.).
   
2. Hold an object out of your baby's sight and make a gentle sound with it.
   
3. Describe your baby's reactions to the sound, what the sound is like, and what the sound reminds you of. Show the object to your baby.
   
4. Repeat with the same object a few times, then move on to something new.

Full Guidance

Language & Literacy

Photos of Family and Friends

1. Gather 4-5 photos of family and friends that your child knows and has relationships with; avoid rare or special photos that you wouldn’t want damaged.
   
2. Show the child each photo and name the person or people as well as their relationship to the child, for example “This is Grandma Jackie” or “This is Cousin Mike”.
   
3. Repeat often. Add photos of other family members over time.

Full Guidance

Science

Balls in Motion

1. Choose two different types of balls and sit on the floor with your child.
   
2. Roll the ball(s) in several types of ways. Examples:
   
• Roll the ball gently
  
• Roll the ball with more force
  
3. Narrate what you're doing and what the result is.
   
4. (Optional) For older babies, encourage them to roll the ball on their own. You may need to guide their hand, or sit facing them and ask them to pass the ball to you.

Full Guidance