Executive function
An infant is encouraged to persist in reaching for a toy during tummy time.
Be Prepared: Select toys, such as colorful rattles or caged bells, that you anticipate will appeal to the infant involved in the activity.
[Arrange several toys on a mat or blanket, keeping 1–2 toys aside. Place the infant on his/her tummy on the blanket or mat about 12 inches from the toys. Sit on the floor, very close to the infant, so he/ she can see your face and hear your voice. Position yourself to the side of the infant so that he/she sees the toys when looking straight ahead.]
[Point to the toys in front of the infant.]
Look at these toys! You can reach for the toys. You can play with the toys.
[Describe the infant’s initial actions. Examples: “Caleb, you are holding your head up and looking at the toys.” “You are reaching for the rattle. This is a big job for you!”
If the infant shows signs of frustration in reaching a toy, offer reassurance with encouraging words and a pat on his/her back. Move one toy closer to the infant so it is easier to reach.
When the infant reaches a toy, enthusiastically acknowledge his/ her efforts. Describe the infant’s persistence and actions as he/she explores the toy(s). Example: “You sure are interested in the rattle, Natalia! You are working hard to move it around.”
Place the remaining 1–2 toys on the mat if it seems the infant would like to explore something different. Place the toys at a reasonable distance that provides the infant a challenging and achievable opportunity to reach for and grasp a toy.
If you anticipate the infant may be interested in continuing to play with a toy from a different position, support the infant’s head with one hand and gently help him/her turn over.
After several minutes the infant may be ready for a different activity. Example: “I can see that you are fussing. Are you ready for a different kind of play?”]
[Smile and make eye contact with the infant as you offer a brief summary of the infant’s actions. Example: “You saw some interesting toys while you were on your tummy. You worked hard to get a toy. You touched the toy and put it in your mouth. Then you worked hard to get a different toy. You had fun playing with the toys today!”]
Executive function
An infant is encouraged to persist in reaching for a toy from a sitting position.
Be Prepared: Select toys, such as colorful rattles or caged bells, that you anticipate will appeal to the infant involved in the activity. Arrange several of the toys on the floor or on a low table at a reasonable distance from the table edge to provide a challenging and achievable opportunity for the infant to reach for the toys.
Invite an infant to play with the toys you placed on the floor or table. Invite the infant to sit in your lap (for toys placed on a table) or to sit independently on the floor (for toys placed on the floor). The infant should be facing the toys. Hold up and briefly describe each of the toys and encourage the infant to reach for the toys he/she would like to play with. Example: “You are looking at the bells. I think you’d like to play with the bells. You can reach for the bells!” Describe the infant’s actions.
Offer verbal assurances that the infant can reach the toy and play with it. Watch for and acknowledge signs of frustration in reaching for a toy and continue to offer reassurances. Example: “I can see you are frustrated. You want the rattle. You can reach it! Keep trying!” Move the desired toy a little closer to the infant if frustration increases or it appears the infant might stop trying to reach it. Describe the situation. Example: “You are feeling frustrated. I will move it closer. You can reach it now!”
When the infant reaches a toy, show enthusiasm for persistence and success. Example: “You wanted to play with the rattle, Antonio. You reached and reached. Now you have the rattle!”
Describe the infant’s explorations with the desired toy(s). Example: “You are waving the rattle back and forth. You are listening to the sound the rattle makes! What are you going to do next?”
If the infant starts to lose interest in the desired toy(s), provide several more toys within challenging yet reachable distance for the infant. Transition out of the activity when the infant begins to show signs of disinterest. Acknowledge the infant’s persistence during the activity. Example: “You wanted to play with the red rattle. You tried and tried to reach the rattle. Then you did! You picked up the rattle!”
One of your important roles in this activity is to carefully determine a challenging and reachable distance between the infant and the toys. The need to persist is significantly decreased if the toys are placed too close to the infant. Another important role is to promote persistence in reaching the desired toy(s). Encourage the infant to persist for several moments before moving a toy closer. Avoid handing the infant a toy. Your two-part role, then, is to support the infant’s success in reaching the toys while also encouraging persistence during the activity. All infants should experience success in reaching and grasping a toy. Present the activity as a fun game and talk with the infant in a friendly, reassuring manner. Be prepared for infants to explore the toy(s) by touching, mouthing, or shaking.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: assortment of play materials
Create arrangements of play materials that will be of interest to both non-mobile and mobile infants. Combining play materials in new ways can foster infants’ interests and support their emerging abilities in discovery. Place a few toys in a colorful bowl or basket within reach of the infants. Place play materials and books on low surfaces for infants to reach while standing. Sit on the floor with infants and talk with them about their discoveries and persistence in reaching for new toys. Repeat tummy time for young infants to encourage focus and physical development.
Materials Needed: new play props, such as slips of paper for pretend money, boxes and ramps for the cars and trucks, diaper bags with accessories for the dolls, clipboards with paper and markers for the housekeeping area
Provide novel play materials to enhance focus and persistence in familiar play areas. Place new props throughout your setting. Arranging play materials in new and surprising ways is similar to offering a blank canvas for children’s imaginations.
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