Social interaction skills
A young infant participates in responsive interactions with a caregiver using fabric stacking rings.
[Place the infant on his/her back in a comfortable reclining position. Begin the activity with two stacking rings only. Keep the remaining rings for possible use later in the activity. The peg is not used in this option except as an Enrichment possibility.
Smile and begin talking with the infant. Example: “Hello, Grayson! You had your bottle and we changed your diaper. Would you like to play with me?” Acknowledge the infant’s reactions. Example: “I can hear you cooing, Layla. You are talking to me. I think you are ready to play!”]
[Hold the two rings about 12 inches from the infant.]
Look, I have two rings for us to play with! The rings feel soft. Listen to the sound they make when you touch them! Maybe you would like to touch and hold the rings.
[The infant may reach for one or both of the rings. If the infant looks but does not take a ring, gently squeeze a ring to make a crinkle sound. Describe your actions and draw attention to the sound. Also, you may wish to move the rings slowly from side to side to keep the infant’s attention.
Describe the infant’s reactions to the rings. Examples: “You are kicking your feet! You are listening to the crinkling sound, Mia. I will hold it close so you can touch it.” “You are holding both rings, Logan! Now you are waving the rings back and forth!”
Respond to vocalizations by repeating an utterance. Example: “Ba-ba-ma-ma. I hear you talking!” Acknowledge facial expressions.
If the infant remains interested in the rings, introduce one more ring.]
[Offer a brief description of the interaction. Example: “Thank you for playing with me, Carter. You held both of the rings! You smiled at me and I smiled at you! We had fun together!”]
Social interaction skills
An infant participates in a back-and-forth interaction with a caregiver while playing with stacking rings.
Be Prepared: This activity uses the two largest rings and the base. The remaining rings can be placed aside.
Invite an infant to sit with you on the floor to play with stacking rings. Place the toy between you, with the two rings on the base. While the infant is watching, remove both rings. You may wish to invite the infant to help you remove the rings.
Place the rings in front of the infant near the stand. Provide time for the infant to explore the items as he/she wishes. Describe the infant’s actions.
If it appears the infant would like some guidance on using the toys, point to and describe the toy. Example: “Look, we have two rings. We can put the rings on this base.” Demonstrate by holding one ring over the peg on the base. Invite the infant to try placing the ring on the peg. The infant may imitate your actions, explore the items in his/her own way, or disengage from the activity. Acknowledge the infant’s exploration of the toy, whether or not he/she tries to place the rings over the peg.
The activity options continue the practice of using a toy to facilitate social exchanges between you and an infant. Both options involve your following the child’s lead with the toys and serving in a support role. In each option, the plan suggests you offer possible actions with the toys (making a crinkling noise in Option 1, stacking the rings in Option 2) but whether these ideas are pursued is the infant’s decision. Focus on positive interactions between you and the infant and not on particular uses of the toys.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: two or more ring stacking toys, basket to hold the assortment of rings
Be Prepared: Remove the rings from the bases and place the assorted rings in a basket. Place the pegged bases nearby.
Encourage infants to explore the toys in their own ways. Some infants will enjoy removing the rings from the basket, and may enjoy returning the rings to the basket. Older infants may work to place the rings on a pegged base. Watch for opportunities to comment on infants’ actions and provide assistance when appropriate.
Materials Needed: ring toss toys, several stacking ring toys
Supplement the activity options for infants with opportunities for toddlers and preschool-age children to explore characteristics of stacking rings, such as shape, texture, color, and size. Explain how rings can fit over a peg because of the hole in the middle. Talk with children about their interests with the toys.
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