Leap 1 – Week 1 – Activities
Physical Development
Activity Name: Texture exploration with play-dough
Description: Encouraging babies to touch and explore different textures helps them learn about their environment through sensory experiences. Hand your baby a piece of play dough so that they begin experimenting with its texture. Does your baby like the way it feels? Now, give your baby more play-dough and by moulding it into different shapes. Observe your baby’s reactions and see how he grasps and examines the play-dough. This will enhance your baby’s tactile sense, stimulating texture recognition!
Objective: Develop fine motor skills, sensory awareness, and pattern recognition.
Frequency: 3-4 times a week.
Cognitive Development
Activity Name: Time to Dance!
Description: Begin this activity by playing different types of music, and dancing with your baby to their rhythm. You may also choose to sing a song yourself! Help your baby notice when the music is faster or slower by emphasizing your movements. This activity will enhance your baby’s sense of audition, specifically her rhythm.
Objective: Enhance gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.
Frequency: 3-4 times a week.
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Emotional & Social Development
Activity Name: Discovering Myself.
Description: Daily routines, like brushing your baby’s hair, provide valuable opportunities to promote self-awareness and body recognition. Begin this activity while gently brushing your baby’s hair. Sit your little one in front of a mirror and point to a specific facial feature, describing it aloud. Observe if your baby responds by pointing at the mirror. If they do, acknowledge it by saying something like, “You are pointing at your nose in the mirror!” When you’re done brushing, practice body awareness by asking your baby to point to different body parts while naming them. Celebrate and encourage your baby’s efforts with smiles and positive reinforcement. This activity will help your little one begin to identify themselves in the mirror and learn about their body parts.
Objective: Enhance self-awareness, recognition skills, promote body awareness and language acquisition.
Frequency: 3-4 times a week.
Language & Communication Development
Activity Name: My favorite toys.
Description: Begin this activity talking to your child about the toys you liked to play with when you were young and then showing them to her. Now ask her to tell you, which her favorite toys are, and have her show them to you. Invite your toddler to try and name each of the toys. During this activity you will be reinforcing your child’s autonomy through play.
Objective: Enhance vocabulary and expressive language skills.
Frequency: 3-4 times a week.
Health
Activity Name: Sleepy massage.
Description: Complete this activity during your toddler’s bedtime routine. Hold your little one on your lap before setting him or her down on the crib and gently massage his or her face. With your fingertips begin to stroke your child’s face from the middle of the forehead all the way down to his or her cheeks. Do this on both sides of the face a couple of times and then massage the scalp, making circular motions with your fingertips. Observe your child’s reactions, is he or she getting drowsy? Remember to use respectful touch. If your little one is fussy or doesn’t seem to like the massage, stop and try another soothing technique. Massages are a great way to bond with your little one while providing a soothing and loving touch that is perfect for bedtime. Incorporate a couple of minutes of facial massages during your child’s bedtime routine if he or she enjoys them!
Objective: Calm your baby, promote better sleep, and enhance bonding.
Frequency: 3-4 times a week.
