[Hold the infant in your arms with his/her head well supported in the bend of your arm, ensuring the infant can clearly see you.

Hold the puppet about 12 inches from the infant and begin moving it slightly from side to side.]

The name of our puppet is (name of puppet).

[Pause for and acknowledge the infant’s response. Describe any visual attention the infant gives to the toy. Example: “I see you are watching our tiger puppet, Juan. Our tiger puppet is moving back and forth.”

Move the puppet a little farther to one side and back toward the infant’s middle. Describe the infant’s response. Example: “You are moving your eyes. You are watching the puppet move.”

If the infant maintains a visual focus on the puppet, move it closer to the infant and move the puppet’s head to say hello to the infant. Example: “Hello, Juan. I am a little tiger. Do you see me?”

Slowly move the puppet toward the infant’s middle. Describe your actions. Example: “I am moving the tiger so you can touch it.” Invite the infant to touch or grasp the puppet. If the infant is not able to grasp the item, hold it near the infant’s hands so he/she can touch and feel it. Use the following strategies to support the infant’s attention to the puppet:

• Describe the infant’s actions with the puppet. Example: “You are reaching out and touching the tiger.”
• Describe some characteristics of the puppet. Example: “The tiger feels soft and furry! Let’s touch it.”
• Acknowledge infant vocalizations. Example: “I hear you talking. You are cooing. I think you like the tiger puppet!”

Transition out of the activity when the infant shows signs of disinterest, such as looking elsewhere.]

[Smile and make eye contact as you describe what happened. Example: “We watched the tiger puppet today. The tiger said hello! You watched the tiger go back and forth. You smiled when you touched the tiger’s soft fur.”]