256 Part Three Infants
provide activities, the more babies
want to learn. Adults should not
forget, however, that babies learn at
different rates. The rate of learning
cannot be increased with lots of
activities and toys. Babies can take
in only so much. Too many activities
and toys can confuse or bore the baby.
Weave words, singing, and
activities into daily routines, such
as feeding, bathing, and diapering.
Adults do not need to have a set
schedule of daily games. The
number and types of games are not
as important as the warmth and
caring that adults show for babies.
A skillful caregiver knows how
to use activities to meet babies’
intellectual needs. Adults can use
the following methods:
Watch for signs of the baby’s
interest in certain experiences.
To check for interest, show the
baby how to use a toy, and then
give him or her a turn. Repeat
several times. If there is little
or no interest, the toy or game
is probably too advanced for
the baby. Try it again in a few
days or weeks. Parents who
match a toy or game with their
child’s abilities and interests are
working in Vygotsky’s ZPD.
Let the baby begin most
activities, then expand them.
For example, the baby may
be patting a high chair tray.
Expand the activity by patting
a different object (that makes a
different sound). You may also
pat the tray harder, softer, faster,
or slower than the baby.
Repeat games many times.
Using games over many months
helps the baby retain the skills
each game helps build.
Let babies try things on their
own. This helps them learn to
solve problems. Piaget thought
this was crucial for learning.
Activities to Stimulate
the Senses
Sensory stimulation involves
using the senses to learn about the
environment. According to Piaget,
babies use their senses as a major way
of learning. Infants use their senses to
explore objects offered to them and
discover how objects operate.
For the baby to develop fully,
all fi ve senses (sight, hearing, touch,
taste, and smell) must be stimulated.
One example of a sensory
stimulation activity is to let the
baby touch a number of safe objects.
This can be done while walking
around the room or outdoors. For
example, letting the baby touch the
bark of a tree helps improve sensory
development. See 11-12 for other
ways to help children stimulate their
sensory learning.
Brain Development
Interview a child development professional
(person with a college degree in child
development, child and family studies, or early
childhood education) regarding ways parents
and caregivers can stimulate brain development
in infants. What types of stimulation appear to
be best for babies? What is the professional’s
opinion regarding the use of “brain development
aids,” such as fl ash cards, videotapes, and kits
marketed to “boost a baby’s brain power.” If
the professional does not recommend these
techniques, what techniques does he
or she recommend that parents can
use instead?