Activities for Infants
To view the lesson plan week for the activity, click on the activity name.
To see more info on Treasure Baskets, click here.
A Place for the Animals (KDIs: 3, 12, 26, 29)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 121
Materials:
Compartmentalized shoe bag
Small stuffed animals and dolls to fit
Rubber dish tub, basket or other large container
Activity:
Place the child in the area. If the child does not respond, let the child see you "playing" with the stuffed animals, and putting them in the pockets of the shoe bag.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 121
Materials:
Compartmentalized shoe bag
Small stuffed animals and dolls to fit
Rubber dish tub, basket or other large container
Activity:
Place the child in the area. If the child does not respond, let the child see you "playing" with the stuffed animals, and putting them in the pockets of the shoe bag.
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Block Painting (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, 37)
Source:
notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Paper,
Paint,
Blocks,
Plastic plate or similar to hold the paint,
Painter’s tape
Activity:
Tape the paper to an area the child can easily reach. Place paint and blocks on the plate. Allow the child to paint freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Paper,
Paint,
Blocks,
Plastic plate or similar to hold the paint,
Painter’s tape
Activity:
Tape the paper to an area the child can easily reach. Place paint and blocks on the plate. Allow the child to paint freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Block Towers (KDIs: 3, 6, 12, 22, 32, 35, 37)
Source:
handsonaswegrow.com
Materials:
Blocks
Activity:
With the child build and knock over block towers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
handsonaswegrow.com
Materials:
Blocks
Activity:
With the child build and knock over block towers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Box Tunnels (KDIs: 3, 13)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 95
Materials:
Several large, empty cardboard cartons
Masking tape
Activity:
Remove the ends of the boxes and tape them to make a long tunnel. Place the child on the floor near the tunnel. _________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 95
Materials:
Several large, empty cardboard cartons
Masking tape
Activity:
Remove the ends of the boxes and tape them to make a long tunnel. Place the child on the floor near the tunnel. _________________________________________________________________________________
Cellophane in Embroidery Hoop (KDIs: 3, 12, 22)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 170
Materials:
Embroidery hoop
Colored cellophane
Activity:
Let the child hold the hoop up to his face and look through it.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 170
Materials:
Embroidery hoop
Colored cellophane
Activity:
Let the child hold the hoop up to his face and look through it.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Chimes (KDIs: 16, 22, 24, 41)
Source:
Simple steps, page 162
Materials:
Numerous types of wind chimes
Activity:
Hang the chimes in a row. Child can hear, see, and touch.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple steps, page 162
Materials:
Numerous types of wind chimes
Activity:
Hang the chimes in a row. Child can hear, see, and touch.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Chip Can Scarves (KDIs: 12, 23, 29)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 119
Materials:
Empty potato chip can (or similar container)
As many light scarves as will fit
Needle and thread
Scissors
Activity:
Sew the scarves together, end to end. Cut hole in the lid. A child will love pulling the scarves out of the can.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 119
Materials:
Empty potato chip can (or similar container)
As many light scarves as will fit
Needle and thread
Scissors
Activity:
Sew the scarves together, end to end. Cut hole in the lid. A child will love pulling the scarves out of the can.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Coffee Ground Sensory Tub (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 29, 35)
Source:
notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Coffee grounds
Sensory tub
Activity:
Place the coffee grounds in the tub. Provide toys and allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Coffee grounds
Sensory tub
Activity:
Place the coffee grounds in the tub. Provide toys and allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Crunch It (KDIs: 12, 22, 35, 41)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 163
Materials:
Cellophane, Tissue paper, or other paper that makes a crunching sound
Activity:
Crunch the paper near the child and see if he is attracted to the sound. Let babies who are grasping have fun crunching the paper.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 163
Materials:
Cellophane, Tissue paper, or other paper that makes a crunching sound
Activity:
Crunch the paper near the child and see if he is attracted to the sound. Let babies who are grasping have fun crunching the paper.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dancing Lights (KDIs: 12, 28, 34)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 165
Materials:
Flashlight
Activity:
Darken the room and shine the flashlight. Make the light "dance" on various surfaces. Child will watch light, and try to catch / feel it.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 165
Materials:
Flashlight
Activity:
Darken the room and shine the flashlight. Make the light "dance" on various surfaces. Child will watch light, and try to catch / feel it.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dangling Toys (KDIs: 12, 22, 24, 28)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 60
Materials:
Interesting unbreakable objects,
Sewing Elastic,
Stable vertical surface
Activity:
Place the child in a position where he can easily see and reach the hanging objects and interact with them.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 60
Materials:
Interesting unbreakable objects,
Sewing Elastic,
Stable vertical surface
Activity:
Place the child in a position where he can easily see and reach the hanging objects and interact with them.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Fabric Scraps (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 23, 29, 35)
Source:
http://handsonaswegrow.com
Materials:
Fabric scraps of different sizes, shapes and textures
A container to put them in (tub, wipes container, etc)
Activity:
Place the scraps in the container, allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
http://handsonaswegrow.com
Materials:
Fabric scraps of different sizes, shapes and textures
A container to put them in (tub, wipes container, etc)
Activity:
Place the scraps in the container, allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Fingerpaint Over Words (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 37)
Source:
http://astimeflies.ca
Materials:
Fingerpaint
Tape (masking or painters)
Canvas or paper
Activity:
Using the tape, layout a word on the canvas. Allow the child to freely paint. Remove the tape when dry.
_________________________________________________________________________________
http://astimeflies.ca
Materials:
Fingerpaint
Tape (masking or painters)
Canvas or paper
Activity:
Using the tape, layout a word on the canvas. Allow the child to freely paint. Remove the tape when dry.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Floor Mirror (KDIs: 4, 8, 12, 28, 29)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 09
Materials:
Unbreakable mirror
Activity:
Place the mirror on the floor in a horizontal position. Spread a clean blanket on the floor in front of the mirror and place the child on it, on her stomach head facing the mirror.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 09
Materials:
Unbreakable mirror
Activity:
Place the mirror on the floor in a horizontal position. Spread a clean blanket on the floor in front of the mirror and place the child on it, on her stomach head facing the mirror.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Funny Booties (KDIs: 3, 6, 12, 22)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 62
Materials:
Colorful socks, a little larger than the baby's feet
Activity:
Put the socks on the child's legs and place the child on his back on the floor. Many babies will automatically play with their feet, and the socks.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 62
Materials:
Colorful socks, a little larger than the baby's feet
Activity:
Put the socks on the child's legs and place the child on his back on the floor. Many babies will automatically play with their feet, and the socks.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Fun Things to Kick (KDIs: 3, 12, 22)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 92
Materials:
Objects that make interesting noises when kicked (Manufactured crib gym, Small toys suspended from wooden plastic rod, Hanging beach toys)
Activity:
Place the child on her back on the floor. Suspend the crib gym on toys within reach of her feet. Jiggle them a little.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 92
Materials:
Objects that make interesting noises when kicked (Manufactured crib gym, Small toys suspended from wooden plastic rod, Hanging beach toys)
Activity:
Place the child on her back on the floor. Suspend the crib gym on toys within reach of her feet. Jiggle them a little.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Goo Bag (KDIs: 12, 22)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 174
Materials:
Sandwich sized zip-close bags
Hair gel
Duct Tape
Activity:
Hand the filled and taped bag to the child, or place it close by.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 174
Materials:
Sandwich sized zip-close bags
Hair gel
Duct Tape
Activity:
Hand the filled and taped bag to the child, or place it close by.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hanging Toys (KDIs: 12, 22, 24, 28)
Source:
Paint on the ceiling
Materials:
Toys of various kinds
String or yarn to suspend them above the child
Activity:
Position the child below the objects but still within grasp. Allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Paint on the ceiling
Materials:
Toys of various kinds
String or yarn to suspend them above the child
Activity:
Position the child below the objects but still within grasp. Allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hitting Two Objects (KDIs: 12, 35, 41)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 67
Materials:
Small objects a child can grasp that make interesting sounds when hit together (Metal tins with lids, plastic bottles with things inside)
Activity:
Place the objects in front of the child. Pick up two and hit them together. Then put them down within reach of the child.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 67
Materials:
Small objects a child can grasp that make interesting sounds when hit together (Metal tins with lids, plastic bottles with things inside)
Activity:
Place the objects in front of the child. Pick up two and hit them together. Then put them down within reach of the child.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Let's Make that Move (KDIs: 3, 12, 22)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 93
Materials:
Safe objects that move in interesting ways when bumped or pushed (Bowling pins, Plastic eggs, Jar lids, Bowls, Balls)
Activity:
Place the child on the floor where she can move freely and scatter these objects around the child.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 93
Materials:
Safe objects that move in interesting ways when bumped or pushed (Bowling pins, Plastic eggs, Jar lids, Bowls, Balls)
Activity:
Place the child on the floor where she can move freely and scatter these objects around the child.
_________________________________________________________________________________
My Hands are for Touching (KDIs: 3, 6, 12, 16, 22, 24, 28)
Source:
Theseedsnetwork.com
Materials:
Piece of cardboard,
Items that have various textures (cork, sandpaper, corduroy, velvet, satin, feather, tin foil, etc.)
Activity:
Sit down with the child and use their hand to touch the objects while saying the sensory word that corresponds with that object (soft, slippery, rough, scratchy, cool, nice)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Theseedsnetwork.com
Materials:
Piece of cardboard,
Items that have various textures (cork, sandpaper, corduroy, velvet, satin, feather, tin foil, etc.)
Activity:
Sit down with the child and use their hand to touch the objects while saying the sensory word that corresponds with that object (soft, slippery, rough, scratchy, cool, nice)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Personal Clapping Game (KDIs: 5, 6, 12, 16, 36)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 23
Activity:
Sit the child in your lap. As a variation to the "classical" "Pat-A-Cake" game, create your own rhyme and motions, including the child's name.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 23
Activity:
Sit the child in your lap. As a variation to the "classical" "Pat-A-Cake" game, create your own rhyme and motions, including the child's name.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Pudding Fingerpaint (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 35, 37)
Source:
Theseedsnetwork.com
Materials:
Wax paper,
Instant vanilla pudding mix,
Milk,
Food coloring
Activity:
Prepare a batch of instant vanilla pudding, following package directions but reducing the amount of milk by one-half cup. Encourage children to use the pudding to fingerpaint on the paper. Encourage them to watch how colors are mixed and or combined to make new colors. _________________________________________________________________________________
Theseedsnetwork.com
Materials:
Wax paper,
Instant vanilla pudding mix,
Milk,
Food coloring
Activity:
Prepare a batch of instant vanilla pudding, following package directions but reducing the amount of milk by one-half cup. Encourage children to use the pudding to fingerpaint on the paper. Encourage them to watch how colors are mixed and or combined to make new colors. _________________________________________________________________________________
Rainbow Gelatin Sensory Tub (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 29, 35)
Source:
notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Foil pans (to make and set the gelatin)
Plain gelatin packets,
Food color,
Spoons,
Big sensory tub
Activity:
Cut the set, colored gelatin into cubes. Place in the sensory table.
_________________________________________________________________________________
notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Foil pans (to make and set the gelatin)
Plain gelatin packets,
Food color,
Spoons,
Big sensory tub
Activity:
Cut the set, colored gelatin into cubes. Place in the sensory table.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Rattle Collection (KDIs: 12, 29, 41)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 62
Theseedsnetwork.com "quiet rattles"
Materials:
Variety of rattles and shake toys
Rubber tub or sturdy box
Activity:
Place the boxy of rattles next to the child on the floor. Allow and encourage the child to play.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 62
Theseedsnetwork.com "quiet rattles"
Materials:
Variety of rattles and shake toys
Rubber tub or sturdy box
Activity:
Place the boxy of rattles next to the child on the floor. Allow and encourage the child to play.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Satin Feels Good (KDIs: 3, 12, 22)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 164
Materials:
Pieces of washable satin fabric
Activity:
Hand the fabric to the child, or place it nearby.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 164
Materials:
Pieces of washable satin fabric
Activity:
Hand the fabric to the child, or place it nearby.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Satin Streamers (KDIs: 12, 22, 24)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 59
Materials:
Ring (Lid, Bracelet, etc),
8" Ribbons (different colors and textures)
Activity:
With the baby sitting supported in your lap or in an infant seat, dangle the ribbons in front of him where he can reach them, dragging them lightly across the palm of his hand
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 59
Materials:
Ring (Lid, Bracelet, etc),
8" Ribbons (different colors and textures)
Activity:
With the baby sitting supported in your lap or in an infant seat, dangle the ribbons in front of him where he can reach them, dragging them lightly across the palm of his hand
_________________________________________________________________________________
Scribble Spot (KDIs: 10, 12, 22, 37)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 208
Materials:
Butcher paper attached to the wall at child level
Hooks put in the wall above the reach of the children
String or yarn (about 3' to reach from the hook to the bottom of the paper)
Fat crayons to attach to the string
Activity:
Let children stand at the paper and draw.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 208
Materials:
Butcher paper attached to the wall at child level
Hooks put in the wall above the reach of the children
String or yarn (about 3' to reach from the hook to the bottom of the paper)
Fat crayons to attach to the string
Activity:
Let children stand at the paper and draw.
_________________________________________________________________________________
See Through Shake Toys (KDIs: 12, 22, 24, 41)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 113
Materials:
Small plastic bottles with screw tops
Interesting objects to put inside each (Buttons, Colored sand, Beads, Pompoms)
Activity:
Place one or more bottles near the child to let them explore.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 113
Materials:
Small plastic bottles with screw tops
Interesting objects to put inside each (Buttons, Colored sand, Beads, Pompoms)
Activity:
Place one or more bottles near the child to let them explore.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sponge Fingerpainting (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 24, 26, 35, 37)
Source:
baballa.com
Materials:
Sponges
Paint
Plate
Paper or other painting surface
Activity:
Soak the sponges in paint. Place the sponges on a plate. Provide paper to the child and let the child play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
baballa.com
Materials:
Sponges
Paint
Plate
Paper or other painting surface
Activity:
Soak the sponges in paint. Place the sponges on a plate. Provide paper to the child and let the child play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Talk Through a Tube (KDIs: 10, 12, 19, 41)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 44
Materials:
Large, empty gift wrap tube
Activity:
Talk to the child through the tube. Experiment and make your voice sound different (high, low, sqeeky, etc). See if the child will imitate you when you hand the tube to her.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 44
Materials:
Large, empty gift wrap tube
Activity:
Talk to the child through the tube. Experiment and make your voice sound different (high, low, sqeeky, etc). See if the child will imitate you when you hand the tube to her.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Texture Quilt (KDIs: 12, 24)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 61
Materials:
Sewn together quilt
Patches of textured washable materials
Variety of trims
Activity:
Place the child on the quilt, tummy down.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 61
Materials:
Sewn together quilt
Patches of textured washable materials
Variety of trims
Activity:
Place the child on the quilt, tummy down.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Texture Trail (KDIs: 22, 24)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 168
Materials:
Variety of textured floor materials (Carpet samples, Rubber floor mat, Outdoor carpeting, Astroturf, Bubble wrap, Vinyl, Fleece)
Duct Tape
Activity:
Line the materials up end to end to create a trail, tape the edges in place. Place the child near the trail, or put him on the first section.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 168
Materials:
Variety of textured floor materials (Carpet samples, Rubber floor mat, Outdoor carpeting, Astroturf, Bubble wrap, Vinyl, Fleece)
Duct Tape
Activity:
Line the materials up end to end to create a trail, tape the edges in place. Place the child near the trail, or put him on the first section.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Things That Make a Noise Collection (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 24, 41)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 144
Materials:
Lots of different objects that make a noise (Rubber squeak toys, Slide whistle, Bells, Shaker toys, Tin boxes, Instruments, Lids
Activity:
Put the objects within reach of the child on the floor. Encourage and demonstrate the objects.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 144
Materials:
Lots of different objects that make a noise (Rubber squeak toys, Slide whistle, Bells, Shaker toys, Tin boxes, Instruments, Lids
Activity:
Put the objects within reach of the child on the floor. Encourage and demonstrate the objects.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tissue Paper Bag (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 29, 35, 41)
Source:
handsonaswegrow.com
Materials:
Tissue paper
Brown paper bag
Tub or other vessel to transfer paper to
Activity:
Allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
handsonaswegrow.com
Materials:
Tissue paper
Brown paper bag
Tub or other vessel to transfer paper to
Activity:
Allow the child to play freely.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Velcro Board (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 30, 32, 35)
Source:
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com
Materials:
Board
Velcro
Toys
Activity:
Place Velcro on the board, and the opposite side of the Velcro on the toys. Allow the child to experiment and play.
_________________________________________________________________________________
http://chasingcheerios.blogspot.com
Materials:
Board
Velcro
Toys
Activity:
Place Velcro on the board, and the opposite side of the Velcro on the toys. Allow the child to experiment and play.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Vision Bottles (KDIs: 12, 22, 24)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 114
Materials:
Transparent sturdy plastic bottles with screw tops
Water
Food coloring
Mineral oil
Materials to put inside (Yarn, Beads, Glitter, Marbles)
Activity:
Place one or more bottles where the child can get them.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 114
Materials:
Transparent sturdy plastic bottles with screw tops
Water
Food coloring
Mineral oil
Materials to put inside (Yarn, Beads, Glitter, Marbles)
Activity:
Place one or more bottles where the child can get them.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Where's Teddy? (KDIs: 12, 16, 17, 28)
Source:
Simple Steps, page 43
Materials:
Stuffed animal, Pet, or Familiar person
Activity:
When there are several very familiar people, pets, or toys with names in the room, ask the child "Where's [familiar item]?" Clap and show approval if the child indicates correctly.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Simple Steps, page 43
Materials:
Stuffed animal, Pet, or Familiar person
Activity:
When there are several very familiar people, pets, or toys with names in the room, ask the child "Where's [familiar item]?" Clap and show approval if the child indicates correctly.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Yogurt Fingerpaint (KDIs: 3, 12, 22, 35, 37)
Source:
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Yogurt
Some small containers,
A cookie tray or plate
Food coloring
Activity:
Mix the food coloring and yogurt to make colored yogurt in the small containers. Allow the child to paint freely on the tray or plate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com
Materials:
Yogurt
Some small containers,
A cookie tray or plate
Food coloring
Activity:
Mix the food coloring and yogurt to make colored yogurt in the small containers. Allow the child to paint freely on the tray or plate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
