Topic “Realisation”

Developing awareness that an object exists when out of sight

Activity/strategy name and materials required	How to do the activity	Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Peek-a-boo - A toy that your child is motivated by. - A small blanket.	Show your child the toy and let them explore it. Cover the toy with the blanket. Pull the blanket off the toy - you could say 'peek a boo' or name the toy as you uncover it. Repeat this a few times and watch your child's reaction - do they anticipate you are going to pull the blanket off? Do they attempt to get to the hidden object? If your child is not looking towards the blanket when you hide the toy, try using a noisy toy so they can listen to the sound when it is hidden under the blanket.	Only do this activity when the child is interested in the toy and is likely to want to continue to play with it Keep other distractions to a minimum - if there are other toys for them to play with they may not look for the hidden toy If the child is not aware that the toy still exists, gain their attention and lift up the cloth. 'Here it is!' Let the child play with the toy again

Activity/strategy name and materials required	How to do the activity	Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Cloth and Peek-a-boo Place cloth over Child's face	Place cloth on Child's face, wait and see if he makes any reaction, then pull it off saying 'peek-a-boo'	Child will need time to become familiar with the routine of the activity Use simple words like 'gone' and 'hello'
Cloth and Song 'Where is Child? Where is Child? Here he is! Here he is!' To the tune of 'Frere Jaques'	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	Child will need time to become familiar with the routine of the activity

Activity/strategy name and materials required	How to do the activity	Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Songs with actions No materials required.	1. Sing songs with simple actions like 'Row row the boat' (with rocking). 2. When the song is very familiar pause after (or during) the song and encourage the child to indicate that they want the song to continue by looking at you, smiling, or pulling on your hands to continue rocking.	Use simple familiar songs with simple physical actions. Pause and allow the child time to indicate they want more. Look for actions, looks or movements which suggest the child is communicating that he wants to continue. If he makes no indication that he wants to continue pull a few times on his hands (to prompt him) and then sing the song again.
Sensory Toys - A selection of vibrating toys, light and sound toys.	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	Allow your child time to enjoy the toy before turning it off. After you turn it off pause and look for any communication. If your child makes no communication prompt him by making a sound ( 'ah'?) and turn it back on. Continue for a few turns.

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