Acknowledgements - gapitc

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Display your child’s artwork for family members to admire.
Ask an appliance store for a large box. Be sure there are no sharp edges or staples.
Set it on its side and put a few toys in it.
Be aware that not all children enjoy putting their hands into mixtures like finger
paint. Offer a sponge instead.
Offer simple art materials to your child and let her freely explore. She may just dab
with paint, make a few dots with a crayon, or not be interested at all.
Introduce your child to music from other cultures. Find a radio station to listen to in
the car or find a music CD with children’s songs in a language different than yours.
(Check the public library for one to borrow!)
Use household items to make music. Pots and pans and wooden spoons make good
drums, wooden spoons can be rhythm sticks, a wire whisk tapped on an aluminum
pie tin makes an interesting sound, and pot lids can be cymbals.
Check out garage sales for “real objects” to put in your Pretend Play Boxes such as
plastic tableware, large cooking spoons, pots and pans, and other household items.
These are sturdier, less expensive, and more realistic than toy versions.
Participate in pretend play along with your child. He might imitate you at first and
then start to pretend on his own. Describe what you are doing as you put a baby
doll to sleep or dress up in a hat and gloves.