Infants and toddlers learn and explore the world around them through their senses. You don't have to buy fancy toys in order to create materials that will engage young children's senses—infants and toddlers love to explore everyday materials! This activity allows children to explore their sense of touch in order to describe the differences between each fabric they feel. Get more activities to engage infants and toddlers in the book The Encyclopedia of Infant and Toddler Activities For Children Birth to 3.
Materials
- cube-shaped foam blocks
- variety of cloth remnants (cotton, velvet, corduroy, satin, silk, and so on)
- fabric glue (adult only)
What To Do
- 1. Cover the six faces of a foam block with the cloth remnants, securely attaching the material with fabric glue. Repeat with several blocks.
- Invite the children to play with the blocks, encouraging them to touch the different surfaces. More to do Cover each five sides of a foam block with the same material and then cover the remaining side with a different type of material. Use the block to introduce the concepts same and different.
Instructions
1. Let the children play with the animals.2. After the children have explored the animals, take one animal away andhide it inside or under the chosen barrier.3. Make the sound of the animal, such as "moo," "baa," or "meow."4. Ask the children to name what kind of animal makes that sound. Allowtime for the child to guess. If they have difficulty, provide clues, such as,"It gives us milk." or "It has wool."5. Once the children guess the correct animal, remove the animal from thebox. Continue with the other animals.