Location: indoor

Materials: an object or toy of your choosing

Infants will benefit from your help in exploring the world around them. One way you can do that is by encouraging them to practice reaching. We might not think of reaching as a complicated task, but it does require the coordination of eyes and limbs, as well as the cognitive task of making a plan and following through.

Hold an object or toy in front of an infant and shake it or gently touch it to their face to gain their interest. Move the toy just out of reach to encourage the infant to reach their arm or arms out for it. By moving the object closer and further you can a game out of it. Objects that have an interesting texture or that make noise can be perfect for this game.

Possible Extension:

• You can use this same tactic for infants that are practicing rolling over