Place a mobile infant on his/her back when alert and ready for play. Explain that we are going to take a pretend ride on a bike to find out how tall we are.

Gently and slowly move the infant’s legs in a bicycling motion. Make up a simple rhyme about riding that includes the infant’s name. Example: “James is riding his bike. James is peddling hard. James is nearing the end of his hike. James is done riding his bike!” Pause at the end of the bicycling movements so the infant can rest.

If the infant remains engaged, explain that we are going to find out how tall (infant’s name) is. Hold the infant’s two hands and gently raise the infant’s arms above his/her head. Say “(infant’s name) is so tall!” when you raise the arms. Enthusiastically emphasize “so tall!” Put the arms back at the infant’s side and again raise them gently while saying “(infant’s name) is so tall!”

At the end of the activity you may wish to offer ELM’s Self-Regulation activity focused on calming down. The most recent practice in calming down is offered in Block 17.

Invite a mobile infant 10 months or older to go riding on a pretend horse. The pretend horse is your knee/leg. Place the infant on your knee(s) facing you while you securely hold onto both of the infant’s hands. Gently bounce the infant up and down while saying a rhyme of your creation. Example: “Ride a horse, ride a horse. (infant’s name) is riding a horse. Not too fast. Not too slow. (infant’s name) is riding a horse.” Put your rhyme to music, if you wish.

Carefully monitor the infant’s reactions to make sure your riding speed is not distressing. Immediately stop movements if the infant shows any signs of discomfort or negative reaction.

Describe the infant’s actions. Example: “You are bouncing on my leg! We are pretending my leg is a horse!” The infant may wish to repeat the activity. Be mindful of overstimulating the infant. At the conclusion of one or two rounds, support the infant in calming down. The most recent practice in calming down is offered in Block 17.