GET- WHAT- YOU- WANT: USING A TOOL GAME
Purpose of Game Encourage your baby to use objects as tools for getting what he wants
How to Play Put your baby in a sitting position on the floor. You can sit beside or in front of him. Place a small blanket within his reach. Put a favorite toy on the blanket, but place it out of reach. If your baby does not pull the blanket to get the toy, push the blanket towards him until he can reach the toy. Use
action words to describe what he is doing such as “See, you got the ball by pulling the blanket.” You can use towels, potholders, or pillows instead of a blanket.
Pull the Right String: A Using-A-Tool Game
Purpose of Game: Helps your baby learn to use objects as tools to get what she wants.
How to Play: Hold your baby in a sitting position on your lap facing a flat surface like a table top. While she is watching, tie one end of a piece of string around a favorite toy. Place the toy out of reach on the table and say, “Get the toy.” Your baby will learn to pull the string to get the toy. Another Using-A-Tool Game Place the toy on the string out of reach again. Place 2 more strings alongside the string with the toy attached. Your baby will learn to pull the string with the toy attached instead of the other 2 strings. Playing games like this helps your baby develop her ability to learn and lets your baby know you love spending time with her. Be sure to put the string away when you are not playing with your baby. Babies can strangle or choke or strings and cords.
