Jada loves it when her mom stacks red and yellow blocks and makes a silly sound for each one.  Soon, Jada starts reaching for her favorite color.  These playful discoveries help her notice differences and patterns.  This supports language arts development because noticing and naming colors, shapes, and sounds builds the vocabulary and thinking skills needed for language and literacy.

Aims:
Expose your baby to a variety of sensory experiences and language.

Goals:

• Encourage recognition of different shapes and colors.
• Support responses to new sounds and objects

Objectives:

• Reach for or look at objects of different colors and shapes.
• React to new sounds (bells, shakers, household noises)

Activities List:

• Show your baby brightly colored toys and describe their shapes and colors.
• Use a xylophone, bell, or shaker to play with different sounds.
• Sort blocks or toys by color while you name them.
• Point out shapes and colors during feeding or playtime.

Materials:
Colored blocks, rattles, musical toys, household objects

Differentiation:

• For babies sensitive to noise, use softer or fewer sounds.
• For babies with limited vision, use bold, high-contrast colors and strong tactile cues.

Integration:

• Describe clothing colors and shapes while dressing.
• Use snack time to talk about shapes and colors.

Story:
Jada loves it when her mom stacks red and yellow blocks and makes a silly sound for each one.  Soon, Jada starts reaching for her favorite color.

Parent Simulation Tip:
Use snack time (cereal, cut fruit) to talk about colors and shapes.

Interactive Activities:

• Individual: Color and shape sorting game
• Group: Family “music time” with homemade shakers

Activity Pack: Please print the accompanying activity pack for this lesson.