ICA Kaleidoscope

ICA Kaleidoscope
Play
Playto
toLearn
Learn
Learn
Learn to Play
to Play

Activities for Parents and Caregivers of

Children from Birth Through 3 Years Old

K. K.
Elise
ElisePackard, Ph.D.
Packard, Ph.D.

1  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998 771
Play to Learn, Learn to Play is a companion book to a literacy
curriculum, Parents are Teachers. Both books are a part of The
Learning Basket Approach to stimulating learning with parents and
children in the first three years.

For more information about the method and this program, contact:

Learning Basket Program

(773) 769-6363 ext 222

2  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998

 “Before you say, ‘Another book on playing and
learning!’ read this. It conveys a powerful message: that
every parent, whatever ethnic group or chosen religion,
whether mother or father, able or disabled, rich or poor,
is a vital partner to the growth of very young children.
This book’s sensitive and creative presentation
assures that it could become a handbook for parents
worldwide.”

Bernice Weissbourd
President and Founder of Family Focus
Family Support America
Board Member, Zero to Three

“Play to Learn, Learn to Play, with its accompanying

Learning Basket® gets to the very heart of joyful learning and
loving. The activities acknowledge the baby as a partner in
growth and attunement, right from the start. The clarity and
‘everydayness’ of the suggestions, gives earnest but sometimes
beleaguered parents a simple way of connecting to their
children. It provides a do-able pathway into the notion that we
learn best within the context of warmth and joy.”

Ida Anne Cardone, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Northwestern University Medical School
Director, Perinatal Family Support Center

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  183
 g s aid d
i s bein arn an ach
at e ro
Wh lay to L t® app
b o ut P Baske
a ing
a r n
Le
the
“Play to Learn is one of those rare accessible instruments that can
enhance and support the parent-child alliance just when it needs to
get on the right track. Simple but not simplistic, it speaks instantly to
the world’s parents of peaceful, mutually enjoyable learning.”

Kyle B. Pruett, M.D.

Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Yale Child Study Center and Medical School
Author, Me Myself and I; The Fatherneed
President, Zero to Three

“For most infants and toddlers their parents are their first and best
love. Play to Learn and the Learning Basket® approach are won-
derful tools which provide children and parents delightful time to
cultivate that love through learning and playing together.

Alicia Lieberman, Ph.D.

Prof. of Psychiatry, Univ. of California, San Francisco
Senior Psychologist, Infant-Parent program
Author, The Emotional Life of the Toddler
Board Member, Zero to Three

“There is great hope in Play to Learn and the Learning Basket® for
fathers finding something to do with their babies that makes sense to
them, that lets them see their babies show off, that lets them find a
way to be together and for both to feel supported.”

Michael Trout
Director, The Infant-Parent Institute
Founding President, The International Association for Infant
Mental Health
184  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 Dedication

This book is dedicated to my family --

a source of wisdom and joy.

It is also dedicated to the families of the South,

who have taught me a great deal.

PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 19981998 3 3
 Our thanks to all who
The Children

Gabe & Dylan Harm Bailey, Jeff & Alex Blethen

Sierra Curtis Hannah & Leah Otto
David Spencer Kalee Mahr
Jacob Roy Chapman Molly Seybert

The Artists

Illustrators: Layout:
Lisa Arensen Annie Porter
Matthew Berry Leif Oden
Damon Reed

Production Manager: Amara Gilbert

Sponsoring Organizations
The Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA)
Laubach Literacy LDS Charities
4  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
made this book possible!
The Consultants

Ann Austin, PhD., Utah State University

Lynn Curtis, PhD., Laubauch Literacy
Dr. Karl Hess, M.D., Pediatrician, Kaiser Permanente
Donna Mahr, M.Ed., Grandmother, Parent Share
Roberta Purcell, Ph.D., Coordinator, Early On

Elaine Weeks, Ed.D.,LDS Charities

Ernie Weeks, Ed.D., LDS Charities

Paula Otto, Teacher and Mother

Jane Stavoe, Teacher, Mother and Grandmother
Keith and Roy Chapman, Great Grandparents
Tina Valdes, Teacher and Mother
Sandy Curtis, Socialworker and Grandmother

Barbara Jones, Computer Consultant

Linda Koch, Grandmother, Artist
Dorcas Rose, Grandmother, Artist
Pat Klatt, Artist
Lorraine Otto, Artist
JoAlice Seybert, Artist
Jane Warren, Artist

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  5

 The g
nin
Lear et
k
Bas

6  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998

 Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................ 8
The Mirror ................................................................. 15
The Colored Balls ..................................................... 23
The Brushes............................................................... 33
The Family Puppets ................................................... 43
The Straws ................................................................. 53
The Ball ..................................................................... 63
The Scarf .................................................................. 77
The Magnifying Glass .............................................. 87
The Stimulation Quilt ............................................... 95
The Rattle ................................................................ 103
The Blocks .............................................................. 113
Face Shapes ............................................................. 123
The Animal Forms ................................................... 131
The Diversity Dolls ................................................ 139
The Nesting Cups ................................................... 147
The Crocheted Cloth .............................................. 155
The Dressing Doll ................................................... 163
The Book ................................................................. 171
Cleaning the Objects ............................................... 179

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  7

 A Young Child
Cognitive

8 77 Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
8  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 Learns in Many Ways.
Social Personal Imaginal

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998 779
Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  9
 Adults are Important

Parents are a child’s

first teacher.

A child depends on the care of adults

during his first years.
10  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
to Young Children

A child learns from

everything she experiences.

Children are a precious resource.

Caring for them serves life.
Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  11
 We share one world.

12  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998

We can live together
and learn from
each other.

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  13

14  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Mirror

The Mirror

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  15

 0-6 Months
Seeing

Show the
Show the baby
baby her
her face
face
inthe
in the mirror.
mirror.

How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

16 77
16 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 6-12 Months
Grabbing

Hold the mirror in front

of the baby’s hands.
Ask him to grab the mirror.

How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7717
1998  17
12-18 Months
Discovering

Ask the baby to make faces

looking
looking in the mirror.
Name the faces she makes.
How the baby can learn:

PlaytotoLearn,
 Play
18 77 Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 18-24 Months
Imitating
Imitating

Ask the
Ask the baby
baby toto make
make thethe faces
faces
that you
that you make
make in in the
the mirror.
mirror.
-First aa happy
-First happy faceface
-Then aa sad
-Then sad face
face
-Then an
-Then an angry
angry face
face
You make
You make the
the faces
faces thethe baby
baby makes.
makes.
How the baby can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  19
7719
24-36 Months
Brushing
Brushing

Tell the child to brush her hair.

Hold the mirror for her to
see her hair.
Tell the child to brush her teeth.
Hold the mirror for her to
see her teeth.

What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

20 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the mirror:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  21

22  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Colored Balls

The Colored Balls

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  23

 0-6
0-6 Months
Months
Seeing
Seeing

Hang the scarf over

the baby’s head. Include red,
black and white balls.

How the baby can learn:

24 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 0-6 Months
Touching

Touch the baby’s hands, face

and feet with a colored ball.
Name the color of the ball as
it touches the baby.
How the baby can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7725
1998  25
6-12 Months
Grabbing

Ask the baby to reach for and

grab the colored balls.
When the baby grabs the ball,
smile and clap.
How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

26 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 12-18 Months
Counting

Help the child count the balls.

Name and count each color.

What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7727
1998  27
18-24 Months
Sorting

Help the child sort the balls by

colors. Tell him what a good
job he is doing.
What the
What the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

PlaytotoLearn,
 Play
28 77 Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 24-36 Months
24-36 Months
Quantities
Quantities

Create two groups of balls. Count the

balls in each group. Create two different
groups. Count
groups. Count the balls in each group.
Tellhim
Tell him he
he is
is doing a good job.

What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  29
7729
24-36 Months
Patterns

Arrange the balls in a pattern: red,

blue, red. Name the colors.
Ask the child to create the same pattern.
Ask the child to create a pattern, and
then you repeat the child’s pattern.
What the child can learn:

PlaytotoLearn,
 Play
30 77 Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the colored balls:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  31

32  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Brushes

The Toothbrush

The Hairbrush
Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  33
0-6 Months
Seeing
Seeing

Show the toothbrush and the hairbrush

to the baby. Say, ‘This is a
hairbrush. This is a toothbrush.’

How the baby can learn:

34 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 0-6 Months
Seeing
Seeing

Hang
Hang the
the hairbrush
hairbrush andand the
the
toothbrush
toothbrush onon the
the scarf,
scarf,
over
over the
the baby.
baby.

How the baby can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7735
1998  35
 6-12 Months
6-12 Months
Touchingand
Touching andGrabbing
Grabbing

Ask the baby to touch and grab

the brushes. When the baby
grabs the brushes, smile and clap.
How the
How the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

36 77
36 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 6-12 Months
Seeing
Seeing

Show the baby how the brushes

are used. Tell the baby how
you are using the brushes.
How the baby can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7737
1998  37
12-18 Months
Brushing
Brushing

Help
Help the
the child
childuse
usethe
thebrushes.
brushes.
What the child can learn:

38 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 18-24 Months
18-24
Brushing
Brushing

Watch the child brush his hair.

Tell him
Tell him that he is doing well.
He is caring for himself.
He
What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7739
1998  39
24-36 Months
Brushing
Brushing

As she uses the brushes, ask the child

to tell you what she is doing.
Repeat what she says.

What the child can learn:

40 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the brushes:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  41

42  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Puppets

The Family Puppets

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  43

0-6 Months
Seeing and
and Listening
Listening

Show
Show thethe baby
baby each
each puppet,
puppet, andand give
give each
each puppet
puppet a name.
a name. Say,
Say, ‘This
‘This is is
the sister. Her name is Julia.’
How the baby can learn:

44 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 6-12 Months
Listening
Listening

Tell stories to the baby using the

puppets. Use the puppets’
puppets’ names.
How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 19981998
April 7745
 45
12-18 Months
12-18 Months
Listening and Speaking
Listening

Name
Name each
each puppet
puppet person.
person. Say,
Say,
“This is Robert. Hello, Robert!”
“This is Robert. Hello, Robert!”

What the
What the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

46 77
46 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute ofof Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 18-24 Months
Recognizing
Recognizing

Name each family member and

show each puppet. Ask the child
to point to each family member
as you name them.
What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7747
1998  47
18-24 Months
Naming
Naming

Ask the child to point to each puppet

family member, and to name them.
Begin the phrase: ‘This is ______.’
______.’
What the child can learn:

48 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 24-36 Months
Sorting

Show two of the puppets: Say,

‘These are children.’ Show the
mother and father: Say, ‘These
are adults. Which ones are children?’
children?’
What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7749
1998  49
24-36 Months
Storytelling
Storytelling

Ask the child to tell you a story about

the family. Whatever the child says is
her story. Repeat what she says.

What the child can learn:

50 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the family puppets:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  51

52  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Straws

The Colored Plastic Straws

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  53

0-60-6 Months
Months
Feeling
Feeling

Blow airair
Blow ononthethe
baby’s
baby’s face.
face.
Does
Doessheshe
like it?it?
like
How
Howthethe
baby can
baby learn:
can learn:

54 54
 Play
Play to
77 to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The Institute
The Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April 1998
April 1998
0-6 Months 0-6 Months
Feeling Seeing and Feeling

Blow soap bubbles above the

Blow air
baby’s on the
head. Letbaby’s face.
the bubbles
Does
fall on her sheDoes
face. like it?
she like it?
How the baby can learn:

54 77 Play
Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The Institute
The Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April 
April 1998 1998 55
0-6 Months
Seeing and
and Hearing
Hearing

Show the baby how you blow soap

bubbles in the water. Tell the baby
what you will do before you do it.
Ask, ‘Do you like the bubbles?’

How the baby can learn:

56 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 6-12 Months
Reaching and Grabbing

Blow soap bubbles above the

baby’s head. Ask the baby to
reach and grab the bubbles.
Ask, ‘Do you like this?’
How the baby can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  57
7757
 12-18 Months
12-18 Months
BlowingAir
Blowing Air

Ask the child to blow air through

the straw. Tell him how it feels.
Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

58 77
58 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 18-24 Months
18-24 Months
Blowing Water
Blowing Water

Ask
Askthe
thechild
childto
toblow
blowbubbles
bubbles
in
in water.
water. Tell
Tellher
herthat
thatshe
sheisis
doing
doingaagood
goodjob.
job.
What
What the
the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  59
7759
 24-36 Months
24-36 Months
BlowingSoap
Blowing SoapBubbles
Bubbles

Ask the child to blow soap bubbles.

Smile, clap, and try to catch the bubbles.

What the
What the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

PlaytotoLearn,
 Play
60 77 Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the straws:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  61

62  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Ball

The Ball

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  63

0-6 Months
Seeing

Throw the ball in the air so the

baby can see it. Say, ‘This
‘This is
is aa ball.’
ball.’

How thethe
How baby cancan
baby learn:
learn:

64
64 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 0-6 Months
0-6 Months
Touching
Touching

Ask the baby to touch the ball and

feel the texture. Say, ‘The ball
is rough and round.’

How the
How the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  65
7765
 6-12Months
6-12 Months
Rolling
Rolling

Ask
Ask the
the baby
baby to
to get
get the
the rolling
rolling ball.
ball.
Smile
Smile and
and clap
clap when
when hehe touches
touches the
the ball.
ball.

How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

66 77
66 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 6-12 Months
6-12 Months
Grasping

Ask
Askthe
thebaby
babytotohold
holdonto
ontothe
theball.
ball.

How the baby can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  67
7767
 6-12 Months
6-12 Months
Hideand
Hide andSeek
Seek

Hidethetheball
Hide ballunder
under
thethe blanket.
blanket.
Ask,
Ask,‘Where
‘Whereisisthetheball?’
ball?’

How the baby can learn:

68 77
68 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 6-12 Months
6-12 Months
Rolling
Rolling

Roll
Roll the
the ball
ball back
back and
and forth.
forth. Sing
Sing
aa simple
simple song
song as
as you
youroll
rollthe
theball.
ball.

What the baby can learn:

Play Play
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The Institute
Copyright, of Cultural
The Institute Affairs,
of Cultural AprilApril
Affairs, 19981998
7769
 69
12-18
12-18Months
Months
Throwing
Throwing

Ask the child to throw the ball.

Youcatch
You catchand
andfetch
fetchthe
theball.
ball.

can learn:
What the child can learn:

 Play
7070 77 to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 18-24Months
18-24 Months
Fetching
Fetching

Rollthe
Roll theball
balldown
downaaboard.
board. Say,
Say,
‘Theball
‘The ballrolls
rollsdown.
down.Can
Canyou
yougetgetit?’
it?’

What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

Play to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, April1998
19987771
 71
24-36 Months
Catching

Throw
Throw the
the ball
ballto
tothe
thechild.
child. Smile
and
and clap
clap when he catches it.
What
What the
the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

72 to Learn,
 Play to
7277 Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of
of Cultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 24-36
24-36 Months
Months
Kicking
Kickingand
andLeading
Leading

Tellthe
Tell thechild
childtotokick
kickthetheball
balland
and
to go
to go get
get it.
it. Follow
Follow her as she
follows
followsthe theball.
ball.
What
Whatthethe
child cancan
child learn:
learn:

Play
Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998  73
7773
 24-36Months
24-36 Months
FollowingDirections
Following Directions

Ask the
Ask the child
child to
to roll
roll the
the ball,
ball, and
and then
then to
to
throw the
throw the ball.
ball. Smile
Smile and
and clap
clap as
as she
follows the
follows the directions.
directions.

Whatthe
What the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

74 77
74 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas
one how to use the ball:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  75

76  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Scarf

The Colorful Big Scarf

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  77

 0-6 Months
0-6 Months
Seeing
Seeing

bed.
Tie the scarf over the baby’s bed.
Hang objects from the scarf.

How the baby can learn:

78 77 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 0-6 Months
0-6 Months
Seeing and Feeling

Wave
Wavethe thescarf
scarfabove
above the
the baby.
baby.
Let
Let itit touch
touch her
her face
face and
and hands.
How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  79
7779
 6-12 Months
6-12 Months
Following
Following

Tieananobject
Tie objectononthetheend
endofofthethescarf.
scarf.
Askthethebaby
Ask babytotofollow
followthetheobject.
object.
How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

80 77
80 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The
The Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 12-18 Months
Dancing

Give
Give the
the child
child the
the scarf. Let her
scarf. Let her
dance
dance to music. Dance
Dance with
with her.
her.
What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  81
7781
 18-24Months
18-24 Months
Listening
Listening

Tell
Tell thethe child
child a story
a story using
using thethe scarf
scarf asas
a river.
a river. Ask,
Ask, ‘Does
‘Does thatthat story
story make
make
you
you happy
happy oror sad?’
sad?’
What the
What the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

8282 77 Play

 Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 24-36 Months
24-36 Months
MakeBelieve
Make Believe

Let
Letthe
thechild
childuse
usethe
thescarf
scarffor
for
make believe. Learn
Learnfrom
from him.
him.

Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7783
1998  83
 24-36
24-36 Months
Months
Dress
Dress UpUp

Showthe
Show thechild
childhow
howtotouse
usethe
thescarf
scarf
fordress
for dressup.
up.Help
Helpherher
putput it on
it on in in

differentways.
different ways.

Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

84 84 PlayPlay
77 to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The The Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the scarf:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  85

86  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Magnifying Glass

The Magnifying Glass

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  87

 0-6 Months
0-6 Months
Seeing
Seeing

Show the baby a small object through the

magnifying
magnifyingglass.
glass. Say,
Say, ‘Come
‘Come look
look
through the magnifying glass.’
How the baby can learn:

88 77
88 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 6-12 Months
6-12
Crawling
Crawling

Ask
Askthe
thebaby
babytotocome
comeget
getthethe
magnifying
magnifying glass.
glass.Smile and
Smile and
clap
clapwhen
whenshe
shetouches
touchesit.it.
How thethe
How baby cancan
baby learn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 7789
1998  89
 12-18Months
12-18 Months
Observing
Observing

Show
Show the
the child
child many
many different
different objects
objects
through
throughthe
themagnifying
magnifyingglass.
glass. Name
each
each object.
object. Do this outside.
Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

9090 77 Play

 Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 18-24 Months
18-24 Months
Recognizing Size

Show
Showthe thechild
childananobject.
object.Say,
Say,
‘This
‘Thisisissmall.’
small.’Then
Thenshow showthe
the
object
object under
under the
the magnifying
magnifyingglass.glass.
Say,
Say,‘Now
‘Nowititisisbig!’
big!’
What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The The
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  91
7791
24-36 Months
24-36 Months
Exploring
Exploring

Ask
Askthe
thechild
childtotohold
holdthe
themagnifying
magnifying
glass.
glass.Ask
Askherherwhat
whatshe
shesees.
sees.
Repeat
Repeatwhat
whatshe
shesays.
says.
Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

92  Play
92 77 PlaytotoLearn,
Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
Instituteofof
Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
Write or draw your own ideas on
how to use the magnifying glass:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  93

94  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Quilt

The Stimulation Quilt

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  95

0-60-6 Months
Months
Seeing
Seeing

Putthe
Put thebaby
babyononthe
thequilt
quiltsosothat
thatshe
she
can
can seesee
thethe black
black andand white
white lines.
lines.
Howthe
How thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

96 96 PlayPlay
77 to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The The Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998
 6-12
6-12Months
Months
Seeing
Seeing

Sit Sit
the the baby
baby on the
on the quilt
quilt as you
as you
play.play.
SaySay
‘I am‘I going
am going
to to
putput
youyou
on on
thisthis quilt.’
quilt.’
Howthe
How thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

Play to Play
Learn,
to Copyright, The Institute
Learn, Copyright, of Cultural
The Institute Affairs,Affairs,
of Cultural April 1998
April7797
1998  97
 12-18Months
12-18 Months
Walking
Walking

Ask
Ask thethe child
child toto come
come getget
thethequilt.
quilt.
Smileand
Smile andclap
clapasashehetakes
takesfirst
firststeps
steps
Say,
Say,‘It’s okay!’
‘It’s okay!’if he falls.
if he falls.
Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

9898 77 Play

 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 18-24 Months
18-24 Months
Naming Colors
Naming Colors and
and Shapes
Shapes

Point
Pointtotocolors
colorsand
andshapes.
shapes. Say,
‘This
‘This is is blue,’
blue,’ andand ‘This
‘This is is a triangle.’
a triangle.’
Ask, ‘What is this?’is this?’
Ask, ‘What
What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  99
7799
 24-36 Months
24-36 Months
StoryTelling
Story Telling

Letthe
Tell a story using the quilt. Let thechild
child
parts to
add parts to the
the story.
story. Then
Thenask
ask
her to tell a story.

What
What the
the child
child can learn:

100 77
100 PlaytotoLearn,
 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the quilt:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  101
102  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Rattle

The Rattle

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  103
 0-6 Months
0-6 Months
Hearing
Hearing

Shakethe
Shake therattle
rattletotocreate
createaabeat.
beat.
Singaasong
Sing song toto the
the beat.
beat.
How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

104 77
104 Play
 Play to to Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 0-6 Months
0-6 Months
Grasping

Help
Helpthe
thebaby
babygrasp
graspthe
therattle.
rattle.
Clap to to
Clap thethe
beat hehe
beat creates.
creates.
How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

Play to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, April1998
199877105
 105
 6-12Months
6-12 Months
Crawling
Crawling

Shakethe
Shake therattle.
rattle.Ask
Askthe
thebaby
babytotocome
come
get the
get the rattle.
rattle. Give
Givehim
himthe
therattle.
rattle.
Whatthe
What thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

106106
77PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998
 12-18 Months
Months
Dancing
Dancing

Dance to
Dance to the
the rhythm
rhythmofofthe
therattle.
rattle.
Take turns
Take turnscreating thethe
creating beat.
beat.
What
What thethe child
child cancan learn:
learn:

Play
Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of of Cultural
Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998  107
77107
 18-24 Months
18-24 Months
Leading
Leading

Askthe
Ask thechild
childtotolead
leadaaparade
paradeand
and
create
createaabeat.
beat. Follow where he
goes,
goes,moving
movingtotothethebeat.
beat.
What the child can learn:

PlaytotoLearn,
 Play
108 77 Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 18-24
18-24 Months
Months
Hearing and Naming
Naming

Shake
Shake thethe rattle
rattle with
with force.
force.
Say,‘This
Say, ‘Thisis is loud.’Shake
loud.’ Shakethe the
rattlelightly.
rattle lightly. Say, ‘This
‘This is
is soft.’
soft.’
What
What thethe child
child cancan learn:
learn:

Play
Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998  109
77109
24-36
24-36Months
Months
Hearing
Hearingand
andRepeating
RepeatingRhythm
Rhythm

Ask
Ask the
the child
child to
to clap
clap to
to the
the rhythm
rhythm
that you create. Ask,
Ask,‘Is
‘Isthis
thissound
sound
loud? Is this
loud? sound
Is this soundsoft?’
soft?’
What thethe
What child cancan
child learn:
learn:

110  Play
110 77 to Learn,
Play to Learn,
Copyright, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the rattle:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  111
112  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Blocks

The Blocks

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  113
0-60-6
Months
Months
Seeing, Hearing,
Seeing, andand
Hearing, Feeling
Feeling

Show
Showthe theblocks
blockstotothe
thebaby.
baby.Say, Say,
‘This
‘Thisisisa asquare
squareblock.
block.This
Thisis isa around
round
block.’
block.’Let Letthe
thebaby
babytouch
touchthe
theblocks.
blocks.
Howthe
How thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

114 114
 Play Play
77 to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The Institute
Copyright, of Cultural
The Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April April
Affairs, 1998 1998
 6-12
6-12 Months
Months
Grasping

Hold
Hold the
the block
block so that the
so that the baby
baby
cangrasp
can grasp it.
it. Say,
Say,‘You
‘You
takethe
take theblock.’
block.’

How the baby can learn:

Play
Play toto Learn,
Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheInstitute
The InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
199877115
 115
12-18
12-18Months
Months
Breaking
BreakingDown
Down

Makeaabuilding
Make buildingwith
withthetheblocks.
blocks. Ask
thechild
the childtotobreak
breakititdown.
down.Smile
Smile and
laugh
laugh when
when he he breaks the building down.

What
What thethe child
child can
can learn:
learn:

116  Play
116 77 toto
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 12-18
12-18 Months
Months
Creating aa Beat
Creating Beat

Give
Give two
two blocks
blocks to to
thethe child.
child.
Askher
Ask hertotobeat
beatthem
themtogether.
together.
Dowhat
Do whatshe
shedoes.
does.

What
What thethe child
child cancan learn:
learn:

PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998  117
77117
18-24 Months
Building
Building

Ask the child to make a house with

the blocks. Say,
Say,‘What
‘Whataagreat
greathouse’.
house’.
What
What thethe child
child cancan learn:
learn:

 Play
118 77 PlaytotoLearn,
Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 18-24 Months
18-24 Months
Counting
Counting

Take
Take turns
turns dropping
dropping blocks
blocks into
into a a
container.Count
container. Countas
as each
each block
block drops.
drops.
What
What thethe child
child can
can learn:
learn:

PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The The Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998  119
77119
24-36 Months
24-36 Months
Sorting
Sorting

AskAskthe the
child to put
child all all
to put thethe
blocks
blocks
thatthat
areare
thethe
same together.
same together.NameName
how
howthe theblocks
blocksare
arethe
thesame.
same.
What the child can learn:

120 120 Play toPlay

77 Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, The Institute
Copyright, of Cultural
The Institute Affairs,Affairs,
of Cultural April 1998
April 1998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the blocks:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  121
122  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Face Shapes

The Face Shapes

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  123
0-6
0-6Months
Months
Seeing
Seeingand
andHearing
Hearing

Showthe
Show theface
faceshapes
shapestotothethebaby.
baby.
Put each
Put eachshape
shapeononthe
theface.
face.
Name
Nameeacheachshape.
shape.
How
How thethe baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

124  Play
124 77 to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 6-12 Months
Observing

Point to each part. Say, ‘There

are two eyes. There is one mouth.’
How the baby can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  125
77125
12-18 Months
Naming and
andImitating
Imitating

Point to the nose. Say, ‘Point to

your nose.’ Say, ‘Nose.’
Repeat for
Repeat for other
other parts.
parts.

What the child can learn:

126 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 18-24 Months
18-24 Months
Leading
Leading

Ask the child to point to the parts.

Point to your own face, naming
the part. Say the name together.
What the child can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  127
77127
24-36 Months
Story
Story Telling
Telling

Ask the child to arrange the face

parts and to tell a story. Enjoy
the story he tells.

What the child can learn:

128 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the face shapes:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  129
130  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Animal Forms

The Animal Forms

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  131
0-6
0-6Months
Months
Seeing,
Seeing,Touching,
Touching,and
andHearing
Hearing

Showthe
Show theanimal
animalforms
formsto tothe
thebaby.
baby.
Say,‘This
Say, ‘Thisisisa abird.
bird.The
Thebird
birdsays
says
‘chirp’.’
‘chirp’.’ Repeat
Repeat with
with each
each animal.
animal.
Let the
Let the baby
babytouchtouchthe
theanimals.
animals.
How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

132
132 
77Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 6-12 Months
Crawling, Grabbing,
Crawling, Grabbing,and
andSpeaking
Speaking

Ask
Askthethebaby
babytotocome
comegetgetthethe
bird.
bird. Ask him toto say
say ‘Chirp.’
‘Chirp.’
Repeat
Repeatwith
witheach
eachanimal.
animal.
How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 77133
1998  133
12-18
12-18 Months
Months
Listening
Listeningand
andSpeaking
Speaking

Tellaastory
Tell storyabout
aboutthe
theanimals.
animals. Ask
the
the child
child to
to repeat
repeat each
each animal’s
animal’s name.
name.
What
What the
the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

134  Play
134 77 to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 18-24 18-24 Months
Months
Imagining
Imaginingand
andSpeaking
Speaking

Letthe
Let thechild
childplay
playwith
withthe
theanimals.
animals.
Say, ‘Tell me about the animals.’
Say,

What What
the child
the can learn:
child can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  135
77135
24-36
24-36Months
Months
Sorting
Sorting

Ask thethe child

child toto put
put all
all the
the animals
animals
that
that are
are the
the same
sametogether.
together.LookLookfor
for
all those that are small; those that
have four
have four legs;
legs; those
those that
that bite.
bite.
What
What the
the child
child can
can learn:
learn:

136  Play
136 77 to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, The
Copyright, Institute
The of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the animal forms:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  137
138  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Diversity Dolls

The Diversity Dolls

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  139
0-60-6
Months
Months
Seeing, Touching,
Seeing, andand
Touching, Hearing
Hearing

Show
Showthe
thedolls
dollstotothe
thebaby.
baby.Say, Say,‘This
‘This
baby
babyhas
hasbrown
brownskin.
skin.This
Thisbaby babyhas
has
black
blackskin.’
skin.’Repeat
Repeatforforallallthe
thedolls.
dolls.
Howthe
How thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

140 140 Play to

77 Learn,
Play to Learn,
Copyright, The Institute
Copyright, of Cultural
The Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April 1998
Affairs, April 1998
 6-12
6-12 Months
Months
Grasping
Grasping

Holdthe
Hold thedoll
dollup.
up.Say,
Say,‘This
‘Thisisis
a prettybaby.
a pretty baby.Take
Takethe
thebaby.’
baby.’
Howthe
How thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998  141
77141
12-18 Months
Naming
Naming

Show the doll to the

the child. Name each
child. Name each
body
body part. Ask the
part. Ask the child
child to
to repeat.
repeat.

What the child can learn:

142 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 Months
18-24 Months
Listening and Speaking
Speaking

Tell the child a story using the dolls.

Have the child give each doll a name.
Repeat each name.
What the child can learn:

PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 19981998  143
77143
24-36 Months
Imagining and
andSpeaking
Speaking

Ask the child to tell you a story about the

dolls. Listen and repeat what she says.
dolls. Listen
What the child can learn:

144 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas on
how to use the diversity dolls:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  145
146  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Nesting Cups

The Nesting Cups

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  147
0-6
0-6 Months
Months
Seeing,
Seeing,Touching
Touchingand
andHearing
Hearing

Hang
Hangthe
thecups
cupsononthe
thescarf,
scarf,above
abovethe
the
baby’s
baby’s waist.
waist. Help
Helpthe
thebaby
babytouch
touchthe
the
cups.
cups. Say,
Say,‘These
‘Theseare
arecups.’
cups.’

How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

148  Play
148 77 to to
Play Learn, Copyright,
Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 6-12 Months
Seeing and Hearing
Seeing

Show the baby how the cups fit together.

Say, ‘This is a big
big cup.
cup.
This is a smaller
smaller cup.’
cup.’

How the baby can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  149
77149
 12-18Months
12-18 Months
Makingsound
Making sound

Show
Showthethechild
childhow
howto tohit
hittwo
twocups
cupsto-
gether to
together to create
create aa sound. Repeat
Repeat the
the
rhythmthat
rhythm thatshe
shecreates.
creates.

Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

150 
150 77 Play
Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998
 18-24 Months
Pouring
Pouring

Show the child how to pour sand

sand from
from
one
one cup to another.
Say, “You are pouring sand”.

What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998  151
77151
 24-36Months
24-36 Months
Ordering
Ordering

Ask thethe
Ask child toto
child putput
thethe
cups
cupsinside each
inside
other. Say, ‘Put
each other. Say, the
‘Putsmaller cup inside
the smaller cup
thethe
inside bigbig
cup.’
cup.’
What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

152 
152 77 Play
Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 19981998
Write or draw your own ideas on
how to use the nesting cups:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  153
154  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Crocheted Cloth

The Crocheted Cloth

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  155
0-6 Months
Touching and
and Hearing
Hearing

Touch the baby’s face with the cloth.

Say, ‘This cloth is
is soft.’
soft.’
How the baby can learn:

156 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 6-12 Months
Grabbing and Teaching

Let the baby hold the cloth and

chew
chew on
on it.
it. Ask, ‘Do you
like the cloth?’

How the baby can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 77157
1998  157
 12-18Months
12-18 Months
Squeezing
Squeezing and
and Splashing
Splashing

Showthe
Show thechild
childhow
howtotosqueeze
squeezewater
water
fromthe
from thecloth.
cloth.Let
Let him
him squeeze
squeeze and
and
splashbybyhimself.
splash himself.

Whatthe
What thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

158158 PlayPlay
77 to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The Institute
The Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998
 18-24 Months
Bathing

Show the child how to use the

cloth
cloth to
to bathe
bathe herself.
herself. Ask, ‘Do
you
you like
like the
the water?’
water?’
What the child can learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 77159
1998  159
 24-36Months
24-36 Months
Wiping
Wiping

Askthe
Ask thechild
childtotowipe
wipethe
thetable
tablewith
withthe
the
cloth.Say,
cloth. Say,‘You
‘Youare
area agood
goodhelper!’
helper!’
What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

160
160 77PlayPlay to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 19981998
Write or draw your own ideas on
how to use the crocheted cloth:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  161
162  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Dressing Doll

The Dressing Doll

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  163
0-6 Months
Seeing, Touching and Hearing
Hearing

Show the doll to the baby. Let her touch

it.
it. Say, ‘This is a doll with clothes.’
clothes.’
How the baby can learn:

164 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 6-12
6-12 Months
Months
Holding and
and Hearing
Hearing

Give
Givethe
thedoll
dolltotothe
thebaby.
baby. Say,
‘This
‘This doll’s
doll’s name
nameisis_________.’
_________.’
Do
Do you
youlike
like_________?’
_________?’
How
How the
the baby
baby can
can learn:
learn:

PlayPlay
to Learn, Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 77165
1998  165
 12-18Months
12-18 Months
Seeing
Seeing andHearing
and Hearing

Showthe
Show thechild
childhow
howtotodress
dressand
andundress
undress
the doll.
the doll. Name Nameeacheach
itemitem of clothing.
of clothing. Say,
Say, ‘This
‘This is a is a vest.
vest. It is It is like
like youryour vest.’
vest.’

What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

166166 PlayPlay
77 to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The The Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998
 18-24 Months
Caring for Others
Speaking

Help the child dress and undress

the doll.
the doll. Point
Point to
to each
each item
item of
of
clothing. Ask,
Ask, ‘What is this?’
What the child can learn:

Play
Play to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, TheThe Institute
Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, April
April 1998
1998  167
77167
24-36 Months
Caring for Others

Watch
Watch the
the child
child dress
dress and
and undress
undress the
the
doll.
doll. Say,
Say, ‘You
‘You are
are taking
taking care
careof
of
________.
________. You are are being
being aa helper.’
helper.’
What the child can learn:

168 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
Write or draw your own ideas on
how to use the dressing doll:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  169
170  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 The Book

The Book

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  171
0-6
0-6Months
Months
Seeing
Seeingand
andHearing
Hearing

Read
Readthe
thebook
bookto
tothe
thebaby.
baby.Show
Showhim
him
the
thewords
wordsand
andpictures
pictureson
oneach
eachpage.
page.
How
Howthe
thebaby
babycan
canlearn:
learn:

172
172 
77Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 1998
 6-12 Months
Seeing, Touching
Seeing, Touching and Hearing

Read
Read the
the book
book to to the
the baby. Ask
baby. Ask
her
her to
to turn
turn the
the page. Ask, ‘Do
page. Ask, ‘Do
you like this book?’
How the baby can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of Cultural
Institute Affairs,
of Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 77173
1998  173
 12-18Months
12-18 Months
Seeing,
Seeing, Touching
Touching and
and Speaking
Speaking

Askthe
Ask thechild
childtotorepeat
repeatthe
thewords
wordsthat
that
youread
you readininthe
thebook.
book.ReadRead and
and
pointtotoeach
point eachword.
word.
What
Whatthe
thechild
childcan
canlearn:
learn:

174174 PlayPlay
77 to Learn,
to Learn, Copyright,
Copyright, The Institute
The Institute of Cultural
of Cultural Affairs,
Affairs, AprilApril
19981998
 18-24 Months
18-24
Speaking
Speaking

Ask the child to name the objects

in the book. Ask,
Ask, ‘What
‘What things
things do
do
you like? What
What things
things do
do you
you
not like?’
What the child can learn:

Play to Learn,
Play Copyright,
to Learn, TheThe
Copyright, Institute of of
Institute Cultural Affairs,
Cultural April
Affairs, 1998
April 77175
1998  175
24-36 Months
Telling Stories
Stories

Ask the child to tell you a story about

each picture. Whatever she
says is a good story.
What the child can learn:

176 77 PlaytotoLearn,

 Play Learn,Copyright,
Copyright,The
TheInstitute
InstituteofofCultural
CulturalAffairs,
Affairs,April
April1998
1998
 Write or draw your own ideas
on how to use the book:

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  177
178  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 Keeping the Objects Clean

Wash the objects often with warm water

and soap.
and soap. Make
Make sure
sure they
they are
are
totally dry before you pack them away.

What the child can learn:

178Play
77 to Learn,
Play toCopyright,
Learn, Copyright,
The Institute of Cultural
The Institute of Affairs,
CulturalApril 1998
Affairs, April 179
1998
180  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998
 About the Author

K. Elise Packard has spent over 30 years doing community develop-

ment work in the United States and around the world. She has lived
and worked in rural villages and marginal urban neighborhoods in
the Philippines, Chile, Peru and Kenya as well as major urban cen-
ters in the United States.

Her interest in early intervention in learning began in the volunteer

work that she did as a teenager in her home town of El Paso, Texas
on the US-Mexico border. In 1968 her university studies led her
to Kibbutz Yagur in Israel to study the child rearing practices with
infants and toddlers in the children’s houses. She also traveled to
Iran that year to study early intervention with infants and toddlers in
an orphanage setting.

In community development work with the Institute of Cultural

Affairs, Elise contributed research to pioneering work in teaching
infants and toddlers and has initiated pre-school programs in villages
in Chile and Peru. A central aspect of this work has been relating to
village mothers and young women; helping them to become effective
teachers at home and in school settings.

Elise and her husband George have had the pleasure of raising their
two children, Truman and Maicah, in the village and neighborhood
settings where they have worked. This book is an expression of
gratitude for the rich experience that they have gained.

Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998  181
 “In the Learning Basket® program I saw a metamorphosis
take place with parents. The Basket and the Play to Learn
book provided a way for parents’ confidence to bloom. Parents
became aware that they had much to teach their children, their
peers, and staff members like me. I was delighted!”
Joyce Fair
Infant-Toddler Training Coordinator
Carole Robertson Center for Learning, Chicago

“The Learning Basket® training and materials are

simple, straight forward, and anyone can pick up the
information. All they need is the will. Such useful tools
– especially for those beginning new programs.”

Jean Wood
Chair for Treaty 6 First Nation
Head Start
Alberta, Canada

“We look forward to continuing to use the Learning

Basket® approach in our program. It has helped provide
new and exciting opportunities for us to work on the goals
of the Family Support Project, which include building
trusting family relationships, promoting healthy childhood
development, and promoting positive parent-child interaction.”
Patti O’Donnell
Family Support Project Coordinator
Howard Area Community Center, Chicago

182  Play to Learn, Copyright, The Institute of Cultural Affairs, April 1998