Early Head Start Homework

Physical

Encouraging Me to Crawl

1. Know that crawling looks different for different children. Some babies will crawl in an "all fours" position, some babies will "inchworm" forward on their tummies, and some will "bottom scootch" by sitting on their bottoms and using their legs to move forward. Some babies will use all of these methods!
   
2. If I'm learning my first crawling movements:
   
• Place a favorite toy out of reach in front of me.
  
• Gently lift one hip and help me bend my knee and hip on that side.
  
3. If I'm learning how to get up onto all-fours (hands and knees):
   
• Place me on my tummy.
  
• Gently pull my hips up so my knees bend and hold weight.
  
4. If I'm able to get up onto my hands and knees without help:
   
• Hold a favorite toy at shoulder height and encourage me to reach for it.
  
• Help me rock back and forth to music. Get on your hands and knees and rock back and forth yourself, and see if I'll follow.

Full Guidance

Physical

Can I Reach It?

1. Play "Can I reach it?"
   
• Lay me on my back and hold a favorite toy so that it is just out of my reach.
  
• Let me get it and play with it.
  
2. Repeat the game while I'm sitting, in a tummy time position, or lying on my side.
   
3. If I can easily reach the toy with two hands, try holding it off to one side so I'll grab it with only one hand.
   
4. Now that I'm learning how to reach things, I might get into things I'm not supposed to. Make sure our home is childproofed by moving small, dangerous, or breakable items away from spots I can reach.

Full Guidance

Math

Nesting Four Boxes

1. Gather four boxes of different sizes that fit inside one another, or "nest." (They can be shoe boxes, jewelry boxes, square food storage containers, or a square nesting toy.)
   
2. At first, give me two boxes with very different sizes. Let me explore how they fit together.
   
3. Then, introduce a third and fourth box. See if I can nest all 4 boxes inside one another.
   
4. If I need a hint, try lining the boxes up side by side from smallest to largest.

Full Guidance

Approaches to Learning

Problem-Solving an Obstacle

1. Play an "obstacle game" with me. Find something I'm willing to "work" for, like a favorite toy or snack.
   
2. While I'm watching, put the object near me. When I begin to reach for it, place a transparent barrier (like a plastic storage container) in front of it.
   
3. See if I can use my problem-solving skills to get the object. If necessary, you can help me figure it out.
   
4. Celebrate when I reach my goal! Always let me have the object in the end, even if I needed your help to get it.

Full Guidance