Early Head Start Homework

Science

Exploring Through My Senses

1. Help me be a baby scientist and explore objects through my senses. Provide safe toys that I can use my senses to explore:
   
• Touch: things with interesting textures like bumps or fuzz, or different temperatures like cloth dampened with cool or warm water
  
• Sound: things that make noise like crinkly paper, rattles, squeak toys, or toy keys
  
2. Remember that when I put things in my mouth, I'm not just "tasting." I use my mouth to investigate textures, temperature, and other things too!
   
3. Describe my 'investigations' out loud as I play.

Full Guidance

Physical

Holding Toys in Both Hands

1. Help me learn that I can hold objects in both hands at the same time! This skill prepares me to use both hands cooperatively when I'm older.
   
2. During our daily activities, try offering me a second item to hold. Examples:
   
• Snack time: If I'm holding a small snack in one hand, offer a second snack towards my empty hand
  
• Bath time: If I'm holding a bath toy in one hand, offer a washcloth towards my empty hand
  
3. Show me what I can do with two objects. Model banging or shaking toys with one in each hand.
   
4. Celebrate when I successfully hold items in both hands!

Full Guidance

Math

Big and Small World

1. On a walk, choose an object to focus on. It should be something there are a lot of (buildings, trees, cars, etc.). Ask your child to search for the object.
   
2. When you see the object, look for examples in two different sizes. Show your child the two sizes (example words: big/small, tall/short, wide/narrow).
   
3. Look for another example. Ask your child which object is big, and which is small (or tall/short, wide/narrow).
   
4. (Optional) Keep playing with a different focus object. Or, continue this game another day!

Full Guidance

Physical

Pincer Grasp Snacktime

1. Play a quick game to encourage me to use "pincer grasp." Pincer grasp is when I pick up an object using only my thumb and index finger (without help from my palm).
   
2. Place one small piece of food (like: cereal, snack puffs, peas, or blueberries) in a small bowl. Place a second small empty bowl next to the food bowl.
   
3. Show me how to use my pincer grasp to move the food from one bowl to another, and encourage me to try it. When I successfully move one piece, place a new piece in the first bowl.
   
4. Repeat for as long as I show interest, and celebrate by eating the snack when we're done playing!

Full Guidance