Early Head Start Homework

Language & Literacy

Babababa!

1. During daily activities, play a consonant sound game. Make these sounds in a very exaggerated way, and see if I'll copy you:
   
• "ba"
  
• "da"
  
2. Whenever I babble, talk back to me as if I was using real words. This helps me learn that my sounds are important!
   
3. When we play together, try repeating words that have these consonant sounds. For example, if I'm hitting blocks together, you could say "bang bang bang."
   
4. Provide a variety of teething toys for me to put in my mouth. This helps me learn how to use my mouth and tongue in different ways.

Full Guidance

Approaches to Learning

Did You Hear That?

1. Collect a few sound-making objects to play a "Did You Hear That?" game. Examples:
   
• rattles
  
• bells or keys
  
2. Hold a sound-maker 1-2 feet away from one side of my head, where I can't see it. Make the sound 2-3 times and pause to watch my response.
   
3. Repeat with different sound-makers and hold them in different positions (to the left, right, above and below my eyes.)

Full Guidance

Language & Literacy

Babbling to Reply

1. Throughout the day, encourage me to 'talk' to you. Start the 'conversation' by asking me a simple question.
   
2. When I babble, respond to me with real words to show me that I can start a 'conversation' too.
   
3. During daily activities, describe what I'm doing, looking at, playing with, or feeling.
   
4. When you ask a question, describe my activities, or respond to a babble, make sure to pause after you speak. This invites me to respond with my babble sounds.

Full Guidance

Health & Wellness

Belly Breathe

1. At the end of your child's bedtime routine, ask them to take a deep breath while lying down in their bed.
   
2. Ask your child to put their hands on their belly. Take another deep breath together, and notice how your hands move as you breathe.
   
3. Practice belly breathing together- a big breath in through your nose that lasts for 4 counts, then breathing out slowly.
   
4. Repeat a few more times together. Try to do a few rounds of Belly Breathing each night right before turning out the lights.

Full Guidance