Topic “Social Understanding and Relationships”

Engages in interactive play with an adult

Activity/strategy name and materials required	How to do the activity	Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Tactile toys Different materials, fabrics and textures, e.g. feather duster, vibrating massager, fake fur, hand fan	1. Show your child one of the objects, allow them to explore it, then use their hand or arm to show them how it feels. 2. Look for signs that your child is enjoying/not enjoying the interaction and then continue or stop as appropriate.	Use minimal communication to reduce demands and allow sensory exploration. Ensure objects are suitable to be mouthed if you think your child may do this.
Messy sensory play Use, for example, one of the following sets of items: Sand tray with spades, pots etc. Water tray with pots, sieves, pourers etc Rice tray with pots and pourers etc	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	Allow your child to explore the objects any way that is safe. Don't ask questions and allow them to spend as much or as little time on each object.
Peek-a-boo - A piece of material - this could be a blanket, a muslin, a cloth, a scarf.	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	Sit on the carpet or at a table dependent on where is most comfortable for your child. Your child may not respond to their name so you may need to make an interesting sound to get their attention.

Activity/strategy name and materials required	How to do the activity	Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Interactive Music Play - Small instruments like a drum, tambourine, or shaker. - Comfortable space where the child can sit with you.	1. Sit with your child and play an instrument together. 2. Encourage the child to make sounds and watch your response. 3. Respond enthusiastically to the child’s sounds by smiling, clapping, or mimicking the sound.	- Pause and imitate the child’s actions to reinforce interaction. - If the child loses interest, pause and reintroduce the activity later. - Avoid using much language
Peek-a-Boo / Hide and Seek Game Hands, scarves, or small objects to hide behind.	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	- Reinforce attempts at interaction immediately with attention and enthusiasm. - Keep sessions short and engaging to maintain interest.
Action Imitation Play - Everyday objects like a ball, toy car, or cup. - Comfortable area to sit or stand together.	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	- Watch for anticipation behaviors, such as the child looking at you before performing an action. - Respond positively to even small attempts at interaction to reinforce engagement.

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