On the Floor

Your Child Will Learn

How to play with toys and interact with people

Here’s What to Do

1. Find a time when your baby is calm, alert, and ready to play.
2. Lay your baby on a blanket with toys (baby toys, a scarf, board books, small bowls, a wooden spoon, etc.).
3. Observe what items your child is interested in. Describe the objects and how your child is interacting with them. 
4. When it’s time to move on to another activity (or your baby becomes unhappy) tell them how much you loved playing and what you’ll do next with your day.

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Lay your baby on the floor and give them a smile and a cuddle.

ENGAGE

• “Oh yes! This is a blue ball. Can you feel the bumpy texture? Look what I can do with a ball. Bounce bounce!”
• “Sofia, you’re banging the blocks together. That’s making you feel happy!”

ENCOURAGE

• If your child wants an object, move it closer to them but don’t hand it to them. This will help encourage your child to learn how to move towards the object.
• If your baby is frustrated, acknowledge their feelings and then help them figure it out.

REFLECT

• Tell your baby what you loved about playing with them.

Not Quite Ready

Hold up objects for your baby to look at. Try holding them to one side and see if your baby will turn their head.

Ready for More

As your baby grows, follow their lead. It’s okay if they play with an object in a way that’s different from how you would.

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will interact with objects and people as they play.

Time to Complete

15 minutes

Materials Needed

A blanket, baby toys, a scarf, board books, small bowls, a wooden spoon