Contrast Pictures Tummy Time
Here's What To Do
Create contrasting pairs of simple shapes on white paper with a black marker (for example: a heart, circle, square, etc.). First, draw the shape's outline only. Right next to it, draw the same shape but color it in.
Place your baby on the floor on their tummy.
Place the pictures on the floor where your child can see them (they can be propped upright to challenge older babies).
Over time, you can create more contrasting pictures for your baby. They may be interested in different patterns, or looking at simple faces.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Get down on the floor with your baby and smile.
Engage:
- Ask and answer your own questions, like: "What do you see? I see an outline of a heart here, and here's a filled-in heart."
- Trace the outlines of the shapes with your finger as you talk about them.
Encourage:
- Narrate what your baby is doing, like: "Oh, you look really interested in this star shape over here."
- Celebrate your baby's tummy time efforts!
Reflect:
- Did your baby look at the pictures?
Not quite ready?
Even if it seems like your baby is not interested in the pictures, keep practicing. They will eventually engage with the art.
Ready for more?
Create contrasting patterns or more detailed pictures for your baby to look at.
As your child masters this skill...
They will observe art around them.