First Teacher: A Parent’s Guide to 8 - 18 Months Growing and Learning First Teacher: A Parent’s Guide to Growing and Learning is a guide to your child’s development and has activities for you to support your child’s learning during daily routines and play. These activities Family Matters will help your child’s development and provide the building blocks 8 Months to 18 Months for his future success in school and life. You did it! You have made it through the first eight months of your This booklet addresses eight key areas of your child’s development. baby’s life. Now your baby is becoming a toddler. In the next 10 The information in this booklet will serve as a guide forthe months, you will see many changes in him. He will begin depending knowledge and skills your child is developing at this age. This booklet less on you because he can easily move on his own. When he wants follows the domains of Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental something, he may be able to crawl or walk to it. This newfound Standards, which are used in early learning programs throughout freedom is an opportunity for him to learn and grow. Now is the the state. best time to make sure the house is “baby proofed” and safe for him to explore. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (general health and development of physical skills involving large and You will notice that your baby cries less and is better able to small muscles) communicate with you. He will begin pointing and grunting and will use single words to tell you his wants and needs. Describe APPROACHES TO LEARNING what he is trying to tell you, “Okay, you want your blanket. Here is (attitudes, behaviors and learning styles) your blanket. It is soft and warm.” He listens to everything you say SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT and will learn new words when you respond to his requests using (the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others) sentences with many describing words.

LANGUAGE & LITERACY Your baby’s large muscles are developing fast, and so are his talking (the ability to understand words, learn to talk and learn about books and and listening skills. Be prepared for frustration as he is experiencing reading) new abilities, some harder to master than others.

MATHEMATICAL THINKING This booklet offers activities and strategies for you to use daily. The (the ability to think about relationships between objects, numbers, easy-to-follow activities will help you build a strong relationship shapes, sizes, weights and other concepts) and a foundation for your child’s learning and future success. All families are different. Remember to include stories, activities and SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY languages from your own family. (the ability to explore the environment using the five senses, connecting what is observed to science concepts and asking questions) You are your child’s first teacher. SOCIAL STUDIES (the ability to learn about people and the community)

CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS (the ability to engage in dance, song, music, dramatic play and art to express ideas and feelings) The information in this booklet will help you make the most of the time you spend with your child. The positive relationship you have with your child and the time you spend together will help your child’s development in every way. Physical Development As your baby grows Your baby’s growth and development will go through many It starts with you changes. He will Physical development refers to your child’s general health and • See and point to things that attract his attention. development of physical skills involving large and small muscles. • Crawl on his hands and knees. Your baby’s muscles are developing, which will help him to move • Hold small objects with his thumb and forefinger. and explore his world. Soon he will begin pulling up to a standing • Walk without help. position and take his first steps. Your baby will also be able to pick • Eat solid foods. up objects with his thumb and finger. Give your baby chances to • Use a spoon to feed himself. safely explore his surroundings now that he can move on his own. • Repeat words and sounds. Place toys and books a little out of your baby’s reach so he can use his muscles to move toward them. Playing and learning Once your baby becomes an expert at walking, let him practice Help your baby’s development by trying these activities. carrying things such as his toys when it’s clean up time. Soon after • Give him finger foods when he is ready. Let your baby practice walking, the running starts! To avoid many “boo boos,” remove or using a spoon and a sippy cup during meals. put away things around your house and yard that may hurt your • Give him a big toy, box or wagon to push or pull around to help baby. Open spaces are great for crawling, running and jumping. practice walking and balance. • Scatter blocks on the floor and give your baby a small basket. Provide different types of toys and play spaces for your child to Play a game of pick up the blocks. Make sure all of them go in allow him to develop muscle control. Playing with blocks, balls and the basket and none of them go in his mouth! toy animals help the development of his fine motor skills (small muscles) and places to walk, run, climb and jump safely help build his gross motor control (large muscles). Taking care of your baby With his new skills, your baby will begin climbing and reaching for objects that may not be safe. Look at your house at your baby’s eye level when baby proofing. You will be able to see what is dangerous to a baby his size. At this age, babies put almost everything in their mouths. This helps them learn about objects. As you baby proof your home, keep this in mind. Keep small objects that your baby can put in his mouth out of reach. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT PHYSICAL h tinl bok Cn o ps te rage lc truh the through triangle-shaped hole?” block triangle the push you Can block? triangle the new through trying the square hole. You is are trying so hard. she What hole matches as doing square block the is pushing you how are at “Look activities. or things she what describe to words Use that sheissafe asshetriesnew tasks. Your blocks. words stack of encouragement to and facial attempts expressions help her or know walk to tries she as encouragement give you stand, to tries she when her support You activities. new world around her. You are her “safety as net” she child to be curious and explore the environment to learn about the temperament. and personalityReacting in a positive way to her unique a with born is child Each and experiences willsupportyour baby’s growth andlearning. by providing asupportive environment. others naturally,of developmentencourageoccur the can you but behaviors of these Some creativity. and persistence curiosity, as characteristics or behaviors of set related to how young a children interact with is their environment, such learning to Approaches It startswithyou Approaches toLearning temperament e sud, oos textures colors, sounds, new Introducing world. her about senses develop,discoverwill she more her As store. the grocery at even and care child in home, at on going is what to alert and active more become exploring start actively and infants curious are Older her in surroundings. interest increased have an to begin will baby Your Yu bb will baby Your .

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SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY Social Studies As your baby grows Your baby can do many things such as It starts with you • Participate in family traditions and celebrations. Social studies refers to your child’s ability to learn about the people • Recognize parts of his body, such as eyes, nose and mouth. around him and in your community. Older infants and young • Recognize and call out for family members. toddlers are learning a lot about social studies. When you share • Respond to his schedule and know when it is time to eat, play stories about family members, eat special foods, celebrate family or sleep. traditions and sing songs important to you, you are teaching your • Hand you a toy when asked. baby about his culture. He is learning that he is part of a family and a community. Playing and learning Even though he is learning about family, he is also learning about You can help your baby grow and learn by trying some of the himself. As he grows, he begins to see that he is independent of you. following activities. He can point to parts of his body like his hands, legs and mouth and • Share pictures of family members and talk with your baby about will smile at himself in a mirror. Once he starts moving around, he who they are. is ready to be a little more independent and find things in his world • Sing favorite family songs, feed him foods important to your to explore. He also wants to feed himself, put on his own socks or family culture and share special celebrations. brush his own hair. Giving him a small variety of toys, books and • Encourage your baby to help feed himself or comb his hair. snacks allows him to make choices and decisions for himself. • Read stories about other children who live in different kinds of houses or eat different kinds of food than your family eats. • Establish routines appropriate for his age. The schedule you set up when he was eight months old may not work as well at 15 months.

Taking care of your baby At this age, social studies relates to your child’s sense of self and how he relates to his family and community. He is also learning he is part of a family that shares traditions, customs and languages. If you speak a language other than English, speak it with your baby. His brain is specially wired to learn languages. When you speak to him in your language, you are building a strong relationship with your child and providing him with skills he will use later in life. SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL move your bodywithhers. body.her of parts So shakewiggle clap, and sway,stomp, stretch, bend, walk, to learning is She do. can body and her things problems the all discovering solving is She creatively. for herself expressing options new grow and her mobility gives more This gain stronger. will she older, gets baby your As opportunities to see, feel andheardifferent materials around her. of lots her Give skills. new build her helps and muscles motor fine her strengthensmaterials art basic Exploring sparkling. or colored brightly are that things at look to likes also squishy.She or crinkly bumpy, soft, are that likesdifferent things She colors. textures and baby enjoys touching, feeling and looking for materials that come in song, music, dramatic play and art to express ideas and feelings. Your Creative expression refers to your child’s ability to engage in dance, It startswithyou It startswithyou the Arts Through Creative Expression , dance and dance playmusic , • • • • • Your baby islearningnew things As yourbabygrows you give her. materialsthe celery.experiment with of watchingbaby your Enjoy textures, such as a bumpy lemon, a smooth apple or a ribbed piece pay dinner,prepare you As that have them. attention items her to will give she so out them point and kitchen the in smell may she smells different the about talk cooking, solving are to you learns When problems. she what apply and world her will help about learn her sensations new experience to opportunities many her Giving and smelling. seeing hearing, touching, tasting, by senses Your baby loves discovering new things, and she does it through her Taking careofyourbaby • • • the of some trying by learn following activities. and grow baby your help can You Playing andlearning • Imitate familiar finger plays andsongswhenshehears them. Start moving herbodywhen shehears musicorfunny sounds. Use gestures to tell you how she feels or communicate an idea. dance. and music of kinds different in engage and discover to Begin such as feathers, scarves, blocks, boxes andcups. with, to play materials different choose and Explore if shecan doit,too. Show her how to pull a scarf through a toilet paper roll and see to her encourage and music of different kinds of variety a Play Sing songswithherbefore mealsorat bedtime. with themoutside,watching themmelt. play her let and cubes intoFreezedyefood water with colored move herbodyto thebeat. . Shewill

CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS Developmental milestones are skills that children typically master The Importance of Family by a certain age. There are milestones in all areas of development, such as in the way children learn, play, talk, move and react to Learning starts at home with you as your child’s first teacher. others. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers learn by observing and listening to family members as they go about their daily routines. From nine to 24 months, your child is developing important language milestones. Ask your pediatrician or the local early learning coalition Families are responsible for shaping a child’s development of values, about developmental screenings that are available for your child. learning skills and social skills. Your child is watching everything you These screenings will identify any delays in language or other areas. do and listening to everything you say. When a developmental delay is not recognized early, children must Learning occurs naturally wait to get the help they need. This can make it hard for them to for children through learn when they start school. Early screenings for these problems their play. Children are will allow your child to get needed early intervention so he will be happiest when they play ready to learn when he enters school. and playing is one of the best tools for learning new skills. Join in your child’s play by getting down on his level and Remember, you are your child’s playing with him. Get down on the floor and first teacher. pretend to be his favorite animal to encourage his imagination.

Use objects around your house for pretend play such as an empty paper towel roll he can use as a horn or a telescope. A plastic spoon and a pot for cooking can become a drum. Play helps improve his imagination, his physical development, his social skills and more. Playing outside is very important. Running, jumping and climbing help build your child’s muscles and coordination. Your child will enjoy the time you two spend together, and so will you! THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY OF IMPORTANCE THE All children develop differently and at different times. If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s development or behavior, it is important to take action early.

Developmental screenings can help identify areas of your child’s development that might need some extra help. Talk to a doctor, your child’s teacher or your local early learning coalition about your concerns and request to have your child screened. If the screening indicates any areas that need extra help, your child may qualify for early intervention services. Your child’s doctor or your early learning coalition can help connect you to those services.

You are your child’s greatest advocate!

Websites That Promote Child Development

Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Birth to Kindergarten: http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Parent Information: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/index.html Center for Early Literacy Learning Parent Information: http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/parentresource1.php Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Learning: http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/family.html National Association for the Education of Young Children: https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/for-families PBS Parents: http://www.pbs.org/parents/ Zero to Three: https://www.zerotothree.org/parenting Free Apps for Families Family Resources OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING Provides state-level support and direction for parents, teachers and early learning professionals. OEL administers three statewide programs including: the state child care assistance program, School Readiness, the free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for four-year-olds and the Child Care Resource and Referral program for all Florida families. 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY:711) http://www.floridaearlylearning.com

2-1-1 A 24-hour hotline where parents connect with national, state and local information and referral services. 2-1-1 offers parents information to assist families with food, housing, employment, health care and counseling services. Dial 211 www.211.org Learn more at cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker ACCESS FLORIDA Temporary cash assistance and food stamp information is available through DCF’s Access Florida Hotline. 1-866-762-2237 (Toll-free) You have what www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access it takes to be a BRIGHT FUTURES brain builder! A national health promotion and prevention initiative, led bythe Download the Vroom app to add learning American Academy of Pediatrics and supported by the Maternal and to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, and anytime with Vroom tips. Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration that provides guidance for all preventive care screenings and well- See for yourself how Vroom tips are fast and fun! child visits. vroom.org https://brightfutures.aap.org/Pages/default.aspx

CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL NETWORK (CCR&R) Helps families find local child care programs that fits their unique needs and local resources and provides information on how parents

También disponible en español can find, locate and afford quality child care. 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY:711) www.floridaearlylearning.com/ccrr.aspx CHILD CARE AWARE® of AMERICA FLORIDA KIDCARE National network of more than 900 child care resource and referral Health insurance program for uninsured children younger than age agencies committed to helping parents find the best information on 19. The Florida Kidcare program assesses eligibility based on age and locating quality programs and resources in their local community; family income. maintains links to resource and referral agencies in every state. 1-888-540-5437 (Toll-free), (TTY: 1-877-316-8748) 1-800-424-2246 (Toll-free) http://floridakidcare.org/ http://childcareaware.org/families/ FLORIDA HEALTHY START CHILD HELP USA® NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE Ensures that all Florida families have access to a continuum of This hotline is staffed 24 hours daily with professional crisis affordable and quality health and related services. counselors with access to thousands of resources. 727-507-6330 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453 (Toll-free) www.healthystartflorida.com www.childhelp.org https://www.childhelp.org/states/florida HEAD START Head Start is a national school readiness program that provides DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES (DCF) LICENSING WEBSITE comprehensive education, health, nutrition and parent involvement Responsible for the administration of child care program licensing services to children from low-income families. For Head Start and training throughout Florida and administers programs addressing programs in your area, visit the listed website. issues such as adult and child protective services, homelessness, www.floridaheadstart.org food stamps, refugee services and adoption and foster care. www.myflorida.com/childcare THE OUNCE OF PREVENTION FUND Find Child Care Providers Identifies and supports prevention programs to improve outcomes https://cares.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch for children, preserve and strengthen families and promote healthy behavior and functioning in society. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES/EARLY https://www.ounce.org/ STEPS Provides information and referrals on disabilities and special health PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS care needs for families, service coordinators and other professionals Provides help to single parents through discussions, professional who work with children with special needs. speakers, study groups, publications and social activities for families. 1-800-218-0001 (Toll-free) 1-800-637-7974 (Toll-free) http://www.floridahealth.gov/AlternateSites/ http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org CMS-Kids/early_steps_directory/index.html VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN FLORIDA CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT Florida’s free voluntary program designed to prepare 4-year-olds for Child support services that include locating missing parents, kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. establishing legal paternity, and establishing, enforcing and 1-866-357-3239 (Toll-free), (TTY: 711) modifying support orders. http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/vpk.aspx 1-800-622-KIDS or 1-800-622-5437 (Toll-free) www.myflorida.com/dor/childsupport/ Florida Department of Education Office of Early Learning Child Care Resource and Referral Network Toll-free Family Line: 1-866-357-3239 http://www.floridaearlylearning.com