Early Head Start Homework

Language & Literacy

Talk and Change

1. As you go through the diapering routine, describe each step to your baby as you do them.
   
2. Keep eye contact with your baby, asking and answering your own questions.
   
3. Continue to respond to your baby- smile when they smile, copy any noises they make and pause so they can respond back.
   
4. If your baby fusses, soothe them and talk to them about what you are doing to help.

Full Guidance

Health & Wellness

Parts of My Body

1. Use diaper or bath time to teach your child the parts of their body. Make it a game!
   
2. Point to one of your child's body parts and say its name out loud. Point to the same part on your body and repeat its name.
   
3. Try naming parts of the upper body one day and the lower body the next. Mix it up!
   
4. For older babies, ask them to find body parts like their nose and mouth.

Full Guidance

Language & Literacy

Book Exploration

1. Set out some books that will gain the interest of your child (soft books, books with textures, board books, picture books, lift-the-flap books).
   
2. Place your child in front of the books.  See what they move to or let them choose the book if they can.
   
3. Hold your child or sit next to them as you read the book; allow them to hold one half of the book and turn the pages if they can.
   
4. Begin by talking about the title, the author and illustrator, and read those out loud. Show them the parts of the book like the cover, spine, and pages. As you read, point out the pictures and words on the pages.

Full Guidance

Science

Nature Observation Walk

1. Head outside to a park, backyard, or other green space.
   
2. Ask your child to look for living things (like: plants, trees, grass, animals, birds, bugs, etc.).
   
3. When they find something they're interested in, ask them to use their senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, touching) to learn more about it.
   
4. Help your child describe different characteristics of the plant or animal.

Full Guidance