Title: Bell ringing!
Age level: birth to 8 months
Type of Activity: Sensory

Activity Objective: This activity helps the infants experience a fun way to make sounds.  They are also learning how to use their wrists to make an object move. 

Supplies needed: Many different sizes sounds and shapes of bells, optional: colorful ribbon.

Directions: Set the bells out on the floor and invite the infants to listen to what you are doing.  Assist the infant with holding the bells.  You may add dangling ribbon for an extra sensory experience.

Reference:    Miller, Karen. Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants Toddlers and Two –Year Olds.  Maryland: Gryphon House. 1999, p.171.

Title: Sparkle Bag!
Age level: birth to 8 months
Type of Activity: sensory, and exploration

Activity Objective: This activity promotes discovery and exploration.  This also helps define motor skills as the child squeezes their hands together.

Supplies needed: Zip lock bags, duck tape, clear hair gel, glitter, little foam shapes, and many colors of dye.

Directions: Fill the zip lock bag with the hair gel.  Add in the glitter and different fun shapes.  You can even create colors with the dye.  Use the duck tape to make sure that the bag is secure. Squeeze the bag with the infant and talk to them about how pretty and sparkly it is.

Reference:    Miller, Karen. Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants Toddlers and Two –Year Olds.  Maryland: Gryphon House. 1999, p.174

Title: Fan Fun!
Age level: birth to 8 months
Type of Activity: Sensory, music

Activity Objective: This activity helps infants experience a fun sensory experience while listening to music.

Supplies needed: a CD with fast and slow tunes.

Directions: Position the infant so they are facing you.  Turn on some fun music and gently  blow air onto the infants face.  Start far away and slowly move closer.  Tell the infant 'Here comes the wind.' 

 Reference:    Miller, Karen. Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants Toddlers and Two –Year Olds.  Maryland: Gryphon House. 1999, p.164

Title: Farm fun!
Age level: birth to 8 months
Type of Activity: Cognitive

Activity Objective: This activity challenges infants to copy the sounds and facial expressions you make.

Supplies needed: Just you and the infant.

Directions: Hold the infant to face you.  Start by saying “ What does a cow say?” and follow with “moo moo.”  Pause and wait for a reply.  Continue this with many different animal noises.

Reference:    Miller, Karen. Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants Toddlers and Two –Year Olds.  Maryland: Gryphon House. 1999, p.143

Activities adapted by Rachel Stone
Activities are to be done with an adult to ensure safety!