Activity Idea: Board Books

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that there are many support activities that eventually support the development of reading and other literacy skills in infants. There are numerous skills than an infant develops during the ages of birth to 18 months and "by providing language and book experiences with infants, the caregiver can support this development and help the child begin the path to becoming a literate child."

Here's an activity called Board Books that will help the infant notice the pictures in a book and the infant will show interest in the pictures when they are named. For this activity, you will need a set of Touch & Feel Board Books (TFBKSET), a set of Wooden Picture Books (WOODBOOK), a set of First Baby Board Books (BBFIRST), a set of Black & White Baby Board Books (BBBLKWH), a set of Number Find Baby Board Books (BBNUMB), or a set of Animal Babies Board Books (ANIBAB).

Materials Needed:
Touch & Feel Board Books (TFBKSET)
Wooden Picture Books (WOODBOOK)
First Baby Board Books (BBFIRST)
Black & White Baby Board Books (BBBLKWH)
Number Find Baby Board Books (BBNUMB)
Animal Babies Board Books (ANIBAB)

Let's Get Started: 1. Board books (small, heavy-duty picture books) are great for infants 6-12 months, because the child is beginning to attend to engaging pictures. 2. Board books are very durable and can stand up to the child poking, grabbing and even throwing the book. 3. Choose board books that have engaging pictures for the infant. 4. Help the infant turn the page to look at the next picture. The child will usually begin to try to turn the page. If this happens, the caregiver should begin the page turning so the infant can grab the sturdy edge and make the effort to turn the page.

Furthermore....
As you turn the pages with the infant, name the pictures on each page.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in Developmental Guideline: ER4: Notices Pictures in a Book.

Activity Idea: Recharge Your Battery

Kindergarten QuickSource® reminds us that Physical Health and Safety supports a child’s overall education and growth by promoting a child’s physical health and development. You can plan activities that involve fine and gross motor development and by teaching good nutrition and hygiene.

Here's an activity called Recharge Your Battery that will help children recognize healthy foods and the importance of caring for their bodies. For this activity, you will need a My Pyramid Food Banner (USDA), a Food Group Sorting Set (FGSS), a set of Life-Size Fruits and Veggies (FOODSET), and a Build a Healthy Plate Chart (PLACEMAT).

Materials Needed:
My Pyramid Food Banner (USDA)
Food Group Sorting Set (FGSS)
Life-Size Fruits and Veggies (FOODSET)
Build a Healthy Plate Chart (PLACEMAT)

Let's Get Started:
1. Show the children the vehicle (or flashlight) that is used and how it works.

2. Remove the battery from the item. Show the children that now it does not work because it does not have any energy to make it work.

3. Explain that our bodies are very similar to the vehicle. If we don’t put healthy food in our body, it will act like the battery has been removed and we will have no energy.

4. Using the food pyramid and the plastic food, show the children healthy and unhealthy foods and help them determine in which group each food would belong.

5. Encourage the children to make good choices to keep their batteries charged.

Furthermore....Have the children show how they have energy when they eat healthy foods and how they do not have energy when they eat unhealthy foods.

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline PH5: Demonstrates Independence in Hygiene and Nutrition.