4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care

Toy TALK

Daycare boy coloring with group

“Babies learn to use their feet intentionally and are very proud of the big kicks they can produce. The sound of a bell is rewarding to your baby who will kick more to get to listen to the jingle. Research shows that around three months of age, babies are aware that some of their actions result in predictable responses. Watch as your baby learns the relationship between kicking her feet and the sound of the bells. This activity supports your baby’s understanding of cause-and-effect.”

Jingle Bell Bracelets

Materials:

  • 1 hair scrunchie
  • 2 large jingle bells
  • 4 pieces of tulle cut into strips

Instructions:

String 2 pieces of tulle through 1 jingle bell. Tie and knot securely onto the hair scrunchie. Do the same for the other jingle bell. Place jingle bracelet onto your baby’s ankle. Gently shake baby’s feet to demonstrate the bells jingling.

Safety note:

Check often to make sure the jingle bells stay securely attached to the hair scrunchie. Bells may become a choking hazard if they come loose.

 

“Children learn that it is a treat to play in the tub, either with commercial bathtub toys or ordinary household objects. The simple act of giving your child a bath is one of his greatest learning experiences. This routine activity supports self-care, new language and gross motor skills as he learns his body moves differently in water. “

Bathtub Stick-ons

Materials: 

  • brightly colored shapes cut from construction paper
  • clear contact paper
  • scissors
  • cookie cutters

Instructions:

Trace shapes with cookie cutters onto paper. Cut out shapes. Peel the backing off large area of clear contact paper. Lay shapes on contact paper. Cover shapes with another layer of contact paper. Cut around shapes, leaving a half inch edge of contact paper to “seal” shapes inside and make them waterproof.