Early Head Start Homework

Creativity

Mirror Shapes

1. Use a handheld mirror or one you can hold your baby in front of.
   
2. Add shapes to the mirror by drawing on it with a dry-erase marker, or draw shapes on sticky notes and put them on the mirror.
   
3. Hold your baby so they can look into the mirror.
   
4. Talk to them about what they're seeing.

Full Guidance

Creativity

Tummy Time Art

1. Fill a ziploc bag with shaving cream and a few drops of food coloring; the bag should be zipped tight and leak-proof.
   
2. If your child is developmentally ready, place them on their tummy with the bag in front of them.
   
3. Model touching the bag in different ways so the color spreads into the shaving cream.
   
4. Move the bag close to your child’s hands so that they lift their neck, head, and arms to touch the bag.

Full Guidance

Math

Position Play

1. Find a toy and a box big enough to fit the toy inside
   
2. Ask your child to place the toy in and out of the box. If your child is unsure, use the toy to demonstrate the opposite positions and ask again.
   
3. If your child understands in/out, repeat with more difficult positional words like: up/down, above/below, in front/behind, next to, inside/outside, over/under.

Full Guidance

Science

Fast and Slow

1. Head to a playground or outdoor space where you can swing and move with your child. You can do this activity with swings or infant scooters or even just in a wide open space.
   
2. Push your baby at different speeds on swings or a scooter and name each speed (like: "fast/faster/fastest" and "slow/slower/slowest").
   
3. Switch to walking slow or fast, or picking up your child and spinning them around in a circle slowly and more quickly. Remember to say the words as you change speeds.
   
4. Check out others around you – and describe their speed too!

Full Guidance