Social and Emotional Development (Distinguishing Self from Others)
An activity for older infants
Materials
-camera - cord to connect camera to printer -printer - scissors -printer paper -page protectors -binder -glue - markers
(Materials for modifiers) -jumbo markers -jumbo crayons -thick color pencils -photos of infants' families
Modifiers
For an easier challenge: - Replace marker with jumbo markers or jumbo crayons
For a trickier challenge: -Replace markers with thick color pencils - Include photographs of the infants' families
Follow-up Ideas
- Place a large mirror in the classroom. Bring the children to the mirror and point to their reflections, saying "That's you, Braedan!"
- During circle time, talk about colors and point out what color clothing each child is wearing. For example, the teacher would say, "Our color today is red! Laura has a red dress on today! Peter has red shoes!"
Originating Idea
This activity is east and quick to make, and will become a staple in every classroom you have. It not only allows them to be creative, but it also introduces the idea of self to young infants.
How to Make It
The teacher takes photos of her students with the camera. She should try to capture them when the students are happy or in a good mood. The she glues the pictures to a piece of printer paper. She should write the student's name on top with one of the markers. She then places the paper in the page protectors, and then puts them in the binder.
How to Implement It
During large group play, the teacher should take photographs of the students and print their pictures with the printer. She should then set up markers and stickers on the floor with the pieces of paper. She gives each infant a marker and supervises their coloring. After they color, she'll hold out the photos and see if the infants can find their photos.
The infants will pick up the markers with their entire hands and make scribbles all over the paper. Some are going to try to color their own bodies or different things in the room. When the teacher brings the photos to the infants, some infants will start to smile and point to their picture. Others may look confused and not recognize themselves yet.
Once the infants all have had a turn looking at the photo album, the teacher will place the binder on a low shelf in the classroom. They should be able to reach the binder on their own. Then the teachers should help the infants wash their hands before sitting them down for snack.