Baby Maze!!!
Originating
Idea: Babies learn through movement. Children learn to crawl by going through various stages. As they learn to crawl, they become
increasingly more aware of the world around them. They delight in discovery and are very curious
in their exploration. This curiosity helps
in their cognitive development. Lessons that
encourage children to move their whole bodies are essential in the overall physical
health of the child.
Materials
Needed: Low tables or chairs, large sheets, or
blankets.
Curriculum Content: KDI 23: Object Permanence, KDI 13 Moving the Whole Body. Preparation: Create a simple L-shaped maze on the floor by draping sheets or towels over low chairs and tables to make walls. Beginning: Sit on the
floor with the child. Encourage the
child to crawl to you. When the child
does, change your position to a crawl position.
Crawl alongside the child.
Encourage the child to crawl with you.
Go slow! Lead the child to one
end of the maze. Go to the other
end.
Middle: Peek around the corner and say “I see you! Can you come to me?” Encourage the child to crawl toward you through the maze. End: Back up and encourage the child to crawl through the maze to you. Give hugs and say, “You crawled through the maze!” |
Extensions and Modifications: To modify this activity, place
the infant at the entrance of the maze.
Go through the maze so the child can see and almost touch you. Encourage the child to crawl to you. To extend this activity, make the maze more
challenging by adding another angle or two.
Bibliography: Mississippi Head Start Collaboration Office. (2010). Mississippi early learning guidelines for infants and toddlers. Jackson, MS: Author |