Early Head Start Homework

Language & Literacy

Toy Talk

1. Select one of your child’s favorite toys, like a stuffed animal or doll.
   
2. Move the toy around and narrate what the toy's doing.
   
3. Use different voices and be animated while modeling this play conversation- you can even pretend to talk as the toy if you'd like!
   
4. Respond to your child's reactions.

Full Guidance

Social Studies

Who's That in the Mirror?

1. Look into a mirror with me. Smile and say hello to help me learn that the baby in the mirror is me.
   
2. Make a funny face while we're looking in the mirror. I may react in different ways- reaching out, seeming confused, looking at you, or smiling.
   
3. Help me touch my image in the mirror and then touch my own body.
   
4. Help me touch your face in the mirror, and then encourage me to look at the real you.

Full Guidance

Language & Literacy

Let’s Go to the Library

1. Go to your local library and find the infant and toddler part of the children’s section. Many libraries have child-size book shelves, carpeted areas, and soft furniture for small children.
   
2. Explain that this is a place where you can borrow books and take them home for a short while.
   
3. Browse the aisles and guide your child toward low shelves so they can select the books they want. Model gentleness with books and how to turn the pages without ripping them. 
   
4. Have your child watch the check-out process. When the books are at home, emphasize that you're reading special books your child picked out. Continue to model gentleness and care for books.

Full Guidance

Creativity

Stirring Pretend Soup

1. Introduce new toys or household objects and encourage me to play pretend with them in a way that matches how they're used in real life. Examples:
   
• Toys like stuffed animals, toy phones, a baby doll and doll gear, toy cars, etc.
  
• Household objects like plastic cups and spoons, hair brush or comb, clean sponge or dishcloth
  
2. Play next to me with a similar toy or object.
   
3. If I use an object for its intended purpose, celebrate my success and confirm what I’m doing out loud.

Full Guidance