Importance of Play/Communication

Importance Play is work and fun! Playtime is essential for intellectual development Toys are the tools for learning Physical necessity to strengthen motor skills

Choosing Toys Encourage participation and use Common household items work just as well as “educational” Toys that remain interesting and appropriate Example: blocks

Toys for Ages

Birth-3 months Babies look and listen Bright colors Interesting sounds Mobile hung over the bed

4-6 months Sense of touch is important Touch, shake, handle, bang and chew rattles

7-9 months Anything that makes noise Handle, throw, pound, bang shake Blocks

10-12 months Need things to crawl after Push/pull toys for walkers Manipulatives

Communicating Crying=first way Movements and gestures Special sounds like giggle, shriek

Communicating Talk to the baby!! Babbling: repeating syllables https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY Real words between 8-15 months What was your first real word??

Toys Choose 2 toys that are age appropriate for each group of children. Birth-3 months Brightly colored mobile over crib Crib liners