Let's Pick Them Up!

Materials You Need: Any small objects that your child may enjoy picking up and a container in which to drop them.

What You Can Do Together: As your child gets older, she or he will naturally begin to prefer to use one hand more than another. You do not need to teach your child this. Instead, give your child many opportunities to use his or her hands in many ways. One game is just to put some small objects (anything that is safe) on the floor with a basket or small box. With you nearby for safety (because children put small objects in their mouths), encourage your child to put objects in the container and take them out.  You can do it too, saying things like “Here goes another block into the box. And here goes another one.  It’s your turn!” 

It will be interesting to notice, over time, whether your child uses both hands the same way or whether he or she prefers to use one hand more.   You might notice also when your child is outdoors, perhaps picking up sticks or leaves, or at home as she or he picks up a spoon or a cup.

What Your Child is Learning:  Experiences with handling objects are all part of “fine motor” development—skills that later will help her or him hold pencils for writing.  Everyday experiences are fun and important.  This activity can also strengthen language development if you name the objects being used.