Early Head Start Homework

Creativity

Making Sounds with Objects

1. Play a sound imitation game with me! Gather a few toys that we can safely bang on a hard surface (like: a rattle, a spoon, a plastic cup, etc.).
   
2. Show me how you can bang a toy on the ground or table to make a noise. See if I'll copy your sound with a toy I'm holding.
   
3. Keep taking turns for as long as I show interest.
   
4. Repeat with different toys, or on different surfaces (a rug vs. a hard floor).

Full Guidance

Physical

Tummy Time

1. Since I spend so much time on my back when I'm sleeping, I need to have plenty of "tummy time" when I'm awake. Tummy time helps my back and neck muscles get strong!
   
2. When I'm doing "tummy time," give me interesting things to look at. Place them at the level my eyes would be at if I lift my head and chest. Examples of things I might like:
   
• childproof mirror
  
• stuffed animal
  
3. Do "tummy time" with me! Lie on the floor face-to-face with me to play. See if I'll turn my head towards you if you move from side-to-side.
   
4. Help me get a bit of extra lift by putting your legs straight on the floor, then draping me over your leg. Put my chest on your leg, extend my arms forward, and keep my hips flat on the floor. You can also use a nursing support pillow or similar pillow.

Full Guidance

Health & Wellness

Learning to Button

1. Encourage me to practice buttoning large buttons (about 1" in diameter).
   
2. If I'm wearing clothing with large front buttons, help me practice on my own clothes. Teach me to start buttoning from the bottom, so I'll match the button to the correct buttonhole.
   
3. I can also practice on doll clothing, or you can make me a practice button. Sew a large button onto fabric, leaving about a half inch between the button and clothing. Cut a buttonhole slightly bigger than the button.
   
4. Let me practice large buttons whenever available.

Full Guidance

Math

Matching Game

1. Gather three items: two that match, and one that is very different. Examples:
   
• two blue blocks and one red stacking ring
  
• two spoons and one cup
  
2. Sit on the floor with me and let me play with the items. After a few minutes, hold up one of the duplicate objects and ask me to find the object that is the same.
   
3. When I select a matching object, celebrate! Put it next to the other object to show me how it matches.
   
4. Repeat with different sets of objects for as long as I'm interested in the game

Full Guidance