Games to Play

What's Missing?

You and your child can gather small familiar and some not so familiar household items. (Examples: egg timer, ladle, spoon, kleenex, candle. The list is endless!) Depending on the age and development of your child start with a few items and identify them. Cover the items with a blanket and have your child close their eyes or turn around as you remove one (or more) items from under the blanket and place them out of sight. Have your child open their eyes and name the item(s) that were taken. As you play this game encourage your child to talk about the textures, colors, size, and functions of the item. Make sure your child has the opportunity to hide the items for you as well! An most importantly, have fun!

Store

You and your child can enjoy time together by creating a dramatic playtime. Cut coupons out together and talk with each other on how you can use the coupons for play. Although the possibilities are endless, one example would be to create a store that would include pricing, packing, unpacking and checking out. Try to remember with any creative play to reverse roles so your child has the opportunity to lead as well as follow. Your interactions are important for your child to learn appropriate language and social interaction. At this age, children need to learn decision-making and problem-solving. What they see is what they do! Have a great time using your imagination!

Flashlight Bubbles

Explore geometric shapes, patterns and colors using soap bubbles and light.

Materials: flashlights, clear plastic "deli" lids, drinking straws, scotch tape, soap solution

Directions: Using scotch tape, attach the "deli" lid to the top of the flashlight so that the indented part of the lid is up (this is the reservoir that holds the soap solution). Pour soap solution into the top of the lid. With the room darkened, turn on the flashlight and blow bubbles on the lid. As the bubbles touch they form geometric shapes. Also visible is the colors produced as the light is reflected off the soap film.