Let's Play! Classified Info & Campfire Tales

1.Classified Info

Sometime around 9 months comes the urge to categorize. But playing with plastic shape sorters has its limits if a baby hasn't mastered the spatial skill of fitting the shapes through the correct holes. This homemade alternative helps him sort things out on his own.

Skills developed: sorting, fine motor
What you'll need: a muffin tin, preferably one for 12 muffins, and groups of seashells or other objects

Collect a few large groups of related small objects such as seashells, rubber balls, or even large hair barrettes. Show your baby how to put an object into each cup of a muffin tin. Then, after you've helped him fill the tin and dump it out a few times, sort the same types of objects into their own cups. This is a game you can continue to play for years, making it more sophisticated in terms of sorting and matching, grouping items, for example, by color and shape.

Safety note: Don't use any objects that are small enough for your baby to swallow.


2.Campfire Tales

Story hour is extra-special now that your baby seems to treasure particular picture books. Make it even more fun by turning it into a "campout." (It's a good way to get in some quiet cuddling time on a cold winter night or a long midsummer evening when darkness doesn't come early enough.).

Skills developed: verbal, pre-reading
What you'll need: a large sheet or blanket, two or three chairs, a flashlight, books

Position two kitchen chairs near a third piece of furniture, such as a table or sofa, or use three chairs, and stretch a large sheet or blanket over them to make a tent. (A cotton sheet is coolest on a hot night, a wooly blanket coziest on a cold one.) Use nonbreakable weighty objects like shoes or books to anchor the edges. Settle in together with some books and a favorite bedtime toy or blankie, and savor the joys of reading by flashlight.

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.

source from http://www.babycenter.com