Instructions
This is an interactive activity to do with your baby. Sit with your baby in your lap in a quiet, comfortable space. Use a happy, gentle voice.
- Point to each face or word on the paper.
- Say the word clearly. For example, "Happy!" or "Eyes."
- Gently point to the matching feature on your baby's face. For example, touch their nose and say "This is your nose."
- Point to the same feature on your own face. "This is my nose."
- Smile and praise your baby for watching and listening! Repetition is key.
:-)
HAPPY
:-(
SAD
EYES
(Point to your baby's eyes, then your eyes.)
NOSE
(Point to your baby's nose, then your nose.)
MOUTH
(Point to your baby's mouth, then your mouth.)
HAIR
(Gently touch your baby's hair, then your hair.)
Answer Key for the Caregiver
The goal of this activity is interaction and language exposure, not correct answers from the baby. The purpose is to help your child begin to associate words with the people and faces they see every day.
- Happy / Sad: This introduces the concept of feelings and emotions. Use an exaggerated happy or sad tone of voice and facial expression when you say the words.
- Eyes / Nose / Mouth / Hair: These are foundational vocabulary words for describing people. The act of pointing to the paper, then to the baby, then to yourself helps build connections in their brain.
Extension Activities:
- Sing songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" or "If You're Happy and You Know It."
- Play peek-a-boo in front of a mirror, pointing out "baby's eyes" and "mommy's/daddy's eyes."
- When looking at books, point out the eyes, noses, and mouths on the characters.