Tip—Reinforce sensory concepts by naming them for your child—saying things like, “Wow, that sure feels silky!”

A big part of the way young children learn is through touching, feeling and tasting things. Which is why you quite often see babies or toddlers with foreign objects in their mouths—it’s one of the ways they learn about a new object. A toddler will use all her senses to explore— touch, sight, sound, smell, taste. It’s a bit like gathering information—and in so doing, she learns about such concepts as soft, cold, wet, or salty. You can help your child learn by providing fun and stimulating sensory experiences for her.

Tools—There are many ways to help your child explore the world. Here are a few ideas to help him learn about creamy, foamy, sticky and wiggly, drawn from my book, Peekaboo . . . and Other Games to Play with Your Baby.

• Shaving Cream Fun. If the weather hasn’t improved and you’re still indoors, try this stimulating activity with your toddler. (Note: you need to stay close and supervise so that he doesn’t eat the shaving cream or get it in his eyes)

  You will need: a big clean table space (or simply use the high chair) and a can of shaving cream.

  Spray some shaving cream on the table for your toddler with which to touch, spread and finger paint. Give yourself some and do it alongside him. Say, “Oh this feels soft and creamy.” You’ll be surprised at how long this activity entertains.

  
  

• Sticky Picture Fun. Your toddler will like experiencing how different things feel. This art activity particularly lets him play with the feeling of “sticky.”

  You will need: Contact paper, a muffin tin, things to stick: small pictures cut out of magazines, pieces of colorful ribbon, leaves, feathers, etc.

  Cut out a large square of contact paper. Tape it to the refrigerator, sticky side out. Put the small items in the muffin tin. Show your child how to stick things onto the contact paper. Let her decide what to put on and where to put it. She may only like to touch the stickiness with her fingers. Tell her, “That feels sticky,” and, “You’re making art.” When she finishes, you can save the picture by covering it with clear contact paper.

  
  

• A Worm Hunt. Here’s a good idea for even a rainy day. Worms are fun for toddlers to hold and feel. Go for a walk in your neighborhood and look for worms—they like to come out in and after the rain. You can also get a spade and dig one up. Have your child touch the worm gently. Talk about how worms get their food from the dirt. Say, “Doesn’t that worm feel wiggly?” Make sure your child is gentle and returns the worm to the dirt.

You’ll find more practical tips you can use right now in Peekaboo . . . and Other Games to Play with Your Baby by Shari Steelsmith.

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