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

Learning to Stand

1. Once I have great control of my head and neck, help me learn how to stand by supporting me through the following stages of standing.
   
2. First, help me "stand" while you hold me up.
   
• Lift me into a standing position, and hold my chest and back.
  
• Gently bounce me to the beat of the music and see if I'll start bouncing myself.
  
3. Next, help me stand by holding onto low and sturdy furniture (like my crib rails, a coffee table, or the seat of a chair or couch.)
   
4. Finally, encourage me to pull myself up into a standing position.
   
• Ask me to pull up and climb into your lap for a hug.
  
• Place a favorite toy on the edge of a low table to encourage me to use the table to stand.

Full Guidance

Language & Literacy

Saying "Hi" and "Bye"

1. Play a hi/bye game by saying "hi" and "bye" to:
   
• Cars on the street.
  
• Animals passing by.
  
2. Model saying "hi" and "bye" throughout the day. I learn from watching you.
   
3. Invite me to try saying (or waving) "hi" and "bye" throughout the day.
   
4. Keep it fun and low pressure. It can be harder for me to answer if I feel like I need to "perform."

Full Guidance

Physical

Hungry Little Crocodile

1. Show your child the objects you’ve gathered and the empty container. Tell your child that they’ll pretend to be hungry crocodiles and eat all the objects using their fingers.
   
2. Show them how to use their index finger and thumb only to pick up the objects, like a little crocodile’s mouth.
   
3. Encourage your child to “eat” all the objects and put them in the container. They can make crocodile sounds too!
   
4. Once they’re comfortable, your child can try to do it even faster. You can also race each other as you pick up the objects!

Full Guidance