Early Development

Cognitive/Language Development 

• show black and white patterns or simple pictures to strengthen visual tracking 

• tummy time helps enhance sensory and motor integration 

• let you baby look at themselves in mirrors

• talk to your baby often describing what you are doing, even if they don't respond yet

• try peekaboo and cause and effect toys 

• respond to coos and babbling for encouraging early communication 

• read books 

Physical Development 

• play with different rattles and textured clothes to encourage reaching and grasping 

• tummy time, supportive sitting and rolling activities to progress with gross motor development

• mirror play when working on tummy time or sitting practice

• ball play 

Self-Help Development: 

• encourage baby to hold bottle with support 

• let them grasp and wipe or bib during diaper changes to encourage participation

• introduce finger foods and utensils 

• encourage baby as aging to lift arms or legs during dressing routine 

Social/Emotional Development: 

• talk in soothing voice and make eye contact 

• mirror baby's expressions 

• play face-to-face games 

• smiles and laugh together 

• play peekaboo and hide and seek 

• play with other babies 

Cognitive/Language Development 

• look at books together, sing, and use gestures to build on a child’s words

• try shape or colour sorting toys, as well as matching or interlocking toys that can be taken apart and put back together

• engage in sensory play (e.g. sand and/or water play)

Physical Development 

• make time for walking, climbing, dancing, and exploring movement together

• play with chunky or peg puzzles, and stacking or nesting toys

• try activities that involve dumping and filling

• try finger painting or exploring with different drawing tools (e.g. thick markers, crayons, chalk)

• play roll, kick, and catch with a medium sized ball -- deflating it slightly can make it easier to catch

• try ride-on toys with no pedals

Self-Help Development: 

• encourage the child to feed them self by providing appropriate foods - be patient and tolerant of mistakes

• provide non-breakable, child-sized utensils, plates/bowls, and cups

• eat snacks and meals at a table, and sit with the child and talk

• show the child how to clean up after them self, praising them when they make an attempt

Social/Emotional Development: 

• store some play things at child’s level to provide opportunities to make choices

• praise appropriate behaviour and set limits consistently

• nurture a child verbally and non-verbally (hugs are a helpful)

• encourage development of dramatic play (e.g. dress up clothes, baby dolls, etc.)

Cognitive/Language Development 

• expose the child to a variety of books (e.g. picture books, rhyming books, non-fiction books) and try to guess together what will come next in a story

• encourage creativity using paints, large 

• talk clearly using simple, positive language and allowing the child time to respond

Physical Development 

• make time for running, throwing, jumping, climbing, and riding on toys

• play with blocks and puzzles

• introduce beading and simple lacing

• try playing with playdough, including playdoh scissors

• continue to explore using different drawing tools (e.g. thick markers, crayons, chalk, paints, etc.)

Self-Help Development: 

• encourage the child to help set the table, wash their own hands, and put on/off their own socks/shoes

• continue to provide non-breakable, child-sized utensils, plates/bowls, and cups

• eat snacks and meals at a table, and sit with the child and talk together

Social/Emotional Development: 

• encourage sharing and taking turns

• try introducing simple finger plays and songs with actions

• provide opportunities for dramatic play with simple props (e.g. hat, wand, tool)