Early Head Start Homework

Social-Emotional Learning

Learning to Play with You

1. I'm learning how to play with other people! One way to help me learn is to play simple and short games with me throughout the day.
   
2. Here are some games we could play whenever we have five minutes:
   
• Play "hide-and-seek" with a toy. While I'm watching, hide a toy. Encourage me to find it.
  
• Take turns filling a box or bowl with toys, one at a time. When we're done, encourage me to dump it out.
  
3. I'll likely lose interest after a few minutes, which is normal for my age. See if you can fit another short game into our daily routine later today.

Full Guidance

Physical

Can I Get It?

1. Place me on the floor in a tummy time position. Play "Can You Get It?"
   
• Attract my attention with a favorite toy.
  
• Place it by my side, about 6" away from my hip
  
2. If I'm able to pivot to grab a toy, play "Can You Get It Up High?"
   
• When I'm on my tummy, hold out a toy high enough in front of me that I'll need to reach for it.
  
• Gradually increase the height of the toy to challenge my reaching skills.
  
3. Celebrate when I successfully reach a toy!

Full Guidance

Language & Literacy

Babbling with Inflection

1. Exaggerate your inflection (the tone of your voice) throughout the day, when reading books, or when playing games like "peek-a-boo."
   
2. Notice if I'm babbling with a specific tone. I might sound like I'm asking a question, giving you an order, complaining, or being excited! Respond to me as if you understand everything I'm saying.
   
3. If possible, interpret aloud what I'm trying to say. If you're not sure what I mean, you can encourage me to keep babbling with a smile and by saying "Oh, really?"
   
4. You may hear me having long babbling conversations with myself when I'm alone. I use this time to practice new inflections!

Full Guidance

Science

Kitchen Sensory Play

1. Choose 3-5 ingredients in your kitchen that have different textures (examples: salt, sugar, rice, pasta, beans, lentils). Place each one in its own bowl. Wash your child's hands.
   
2. Let your child play with the ingredients in each bowl. What do they feel like?
   
3. Encourage your child to explore the ingredients with their other senses.
   
• Smell the ingredients.
  
• Shake the bowl or listen for any noises when pouring the ingredient.
  
4. How do the ingredients look similar or different to each other?
   
5. Taste! (for uncooked ingredients like beans/rice/pasta, you may want to just let them lick a small bit)
   
6. (Optional) Continue the sensory exploration by smelling different spices or condiments.

Full Guidance