First Teacher: A Parent’s Guide to Birth - 8 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 Birth to Eight Months for his future success in school and life. Congratulations on your new baby! Whether you are a first-time This booklet addresses eight key areas of your child’s development. parent or an old pro, this baby is an individual who will need your The information in this booklet will serve as a guide forthe constant love, care and attention. The most important relationship knowledge and skills your child is developing at this age. This booklet in your baby’s life is the one with her family. By providing a loving, follows the domains of Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental caring home, your baby will be able to form relationships, develop Standards, which are used in early learning programs throughout trust and explore the world. Learning begins at home with you, as the state. you are your baby’s first and most important teacher. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (general health and development of physical skills involving large and In the first eight months of your baby’s life, you will see many small muscles) changes in all areas of her development. This is a very exciting time for you and your baby. You will see physical changes such as APPROACHES TO LEARNING gaining head control and grasping for toys. Socially, your baby will (attitudes, behaviors and learning styles) begin smiling when she sees you or hears your voice. You will also SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT learn how to meet her needs by understanding her cries and facial (the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others) expressions.

LANGUAGE & LITERACY This booklet offers activities and strategies for you to use daily. The (the ability to understand words, learn to talk and learn about books and easy-to-follow activities will help you build a strong relationship reading) and a foundation for your child’s learning and future success. All MATHEMATICAL THINKING families are different. Remember to include stories, activities and (the ability to think about relationships between objects, numbers, languages from your own family. shapes, sizes, weights and other concepts)

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY You are your child’s first teacher. (the ability to explore the environment using the five senses, connecting what is observed to science concepts and asking questions)

SOCIAL STUDIES (the ability to learn about people and the community)

CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS (the ability to engage in dance, , 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 During the first eight months, your baby’s growth and It starts with you development will go through many changes. She will Physical development refers to your child’s general health and • Be alert and awake more often. development of physical skills involving large and small muscles. • Roll from back to front and front to back. Over the first eight months of your baby’s life, she willlearn to gain • Turn her head, kick her feet, reach and grasp. control of her body and begin to make planned movements. She • Hold her own bottle and toys. will hold her head up, roll over, clap her hands and eventually be • Push with her legs and feet like she is trying to stand. able to hold objects like toys and rattles. By eight months, your • Sit up on her own. baby will change from a dependent infant to an active baby.

Babies rely on their parents and other caregivers to meet their Playing and learning basic needs, such as eating, sleeping and comfort. Self-care skills Help your baby’s development by trying these activities. develop slowly, but soon you will notice that your baby will begin • Give your baby a toy to hold. This gives her practice holding to play a part in her own care. Your baby will begin to coordinate objects. her sucking and swallowing and will reach out to hold her bottles if • Put toys just out of your baby’s reach. This helps her learn to she is bottle-fed. Babies can also show their self-help skills by being reach and grasp. aware of daily care routines. Examples include making sounds when • Whisper your baby’s name and watch her turn towards you. you talk to her during diaper changing and splashing during baths. Taking care of your baby Even though your baby may not like it at first, tummy time is an important activity to help her develop head and neck strength. For short periods of time, place your baby on her stomach on the floor, on top of a blanket or quilt. Put some toys in front of her to look at and try to reach. Your baby will begin to move more and will be ready to explore!

Physical health is important to your baby’s growth and development. Make sure she is getting good nutrition and is up-to-date onall doctor’s appointments. Your baby’s health will thrive when she has healthy food and time to play and interact with you every day. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT PHYSICAL ht e a d wt te. o wl ejy acig or baby your watching enjoy will explore new andtry things whileplaying You andlearning. them. with do can he what about baby your to Talk books. and toys balls, safe as of such materials, plenty baby your Give feelings. new and people sounds, objects, to reacts baby your how in role a plays curiosity natural Yourinterestan babywaswith born in play withhimlater orlet himplay longer andnaplater intheday. and nap baby your let to Youneed maynap. a for ready yet not is and is or tired child Be play when your flexible times. those during activities plan and relaxed most is he when day the of times the account into take that routines Plan him. for best works that one the find to upset is he when baby your calm to ways different Try important to theway hewillbondwithyou andshow attachment. in the environment by crying. How change or sound slightest the to react others while easygoing and 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 you react to his temperament . This exploringlearning. and ais r quiet are babies environment. Some in experiences things and waythe on feelshe based others you and to reacts He personality and is own his has baby He unique. Your temperament.

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SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Language & Literacy As your baby grows Your baby will show his beginning language skills as he It starts with you • Moves his arms and legs when he hears a familiar voice. Language and literacy refers to your child’s ability to understand • Turns and smiles when he hears his own name. words and learn to listen, talk and read. The most common way • Coos, babbles and makes different sounds. that your baby communicates with you at this age is by crying. • Reaches for books. When your baby cries, he is telling you he has a need. Your baby • Points at objects, animals or people. will have a special cry for hunger, attention and wanting to be held • Claps and waves. – just to name a few. Paying attention to and learning your baby’s • Repeats sounds. cries and body language will help build trust. This is also a good way to reduce your stress from the “guess what my baby wants” game so you can give him what he needs. Playing and learning Help your baby’s development by trying these activities. Your baby’s cries won’t be his only form of communication forever. • Talk to him while you are feeding him. Talk about what you are Your baby is beginning to develop language skills and will start to doing. For example, during feeding ask, “Is that milk yummy in express himself by looking at you when he hears your voice and your tummy?” smiling when he hears his name. It is a heartwarming moment • Talk to your baby when you are dressing him in the morning. when your baby begins to coo and smile back at you. “Let’s put on your shirt and pants. Here are your socks. Socks go on your feet.” Hearing words helps your baby learn their Babies need to hear lots of loving words every day. Praise your baby meanings. and use encouraging words to get him to try new activities or focus • Sing simple while you are changing diapers, like “Daddy his attention on objects or people. Avoid using negative words or will change your diaper, your diaper, your diaper. Daddy will an angry tone of voice. Encourage family members to talk, sing or change your diaper and make baby clean.” read with your baby often. • Copy your baby’s sounds and wait for him to respond.

Taking care of your baby Help support your baby’s language by talking to him — even if it feels one-sided. Your baby will learn new words and sounds by hearing you talk. He will watch your face and body for cues on what words mean. LANGUAGE & LITERACY & LANGUAGE o te bet oetruhsae uha alrlig or rolling how to fitblocks together.ball a as such space, through move objects other how aroundspace the her. awarenessThis growwill into understanding she begins to move her body, she learns about how her body fits in way.Toys encourageto explorationspaced mobility. be and can As to pull up to standing. She is now able to explore her world in a new begin will she Soon, up. sit and overroll her. toaround begins She her. Sheloves rhyming songsandcountingwith songs. play and talk sing, you as intently watches She objects. and can recognize the difference between familiar or unfamiliar people senses—hearing, baby andother your on, her early From tasting. throughand smelling, seeing, learning touching, shapes is baby numbers, Your concepts. objects, between relationships about think to ability child’s your to refers thinking Mathematical It startswithyou Mathematical Thinking nesad h space to the understand begins baby your By four and five months, attention. and her catch will textures shapes different colors, with Toys movement. have that toys hand and objects, hanging the at kick and bat to crib, “gym” infant an her on providing mobiles by objects opportunities many to explore baby your move. Give they how objects and in interested very also is baby Your • • first these during growing is months. Shewill baby your much how see can You As yourbabygrows beginnings ofmath concepts. earliest the are words shoe.”These your on put to down leg your yourtoes are short.” your“Put toyour up on leg put pants put and up and like words Use dressed. her get and her diaper,bathe her change about her world through interactions with you. Talk with her learns as you She teacher. important most and first baby’s your are You Taking careofyourbaby • • • • following the of activities. some trying by development baby’s your Help Playing andlearning • • • • •

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CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS With today’s busy schedules, it may be hard for family members The Importance of Family to spend time together. Make a point to schedule a time when the whole family can be together and have fun at least once a week. Learning starts at home with you as your child’s first teacher. Enjoying each other’s company will help your family stay connected. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers learn by observing and listening to family members as they go about their daily routines. When you are busy, you may forget to share or remember things your baby does. Write down your baby’s first words and phrases Families are responsible for shaping a child’s development of values, in a special book. One day you can look back with your child at all learning skills and social skills. Your child is watching everything you the funny things he used to say. For example, your baby may have do and listening to everything you say. called chicken “chicky chicky” until he could fully say chicken. It will be fun to share family stories about this special time in your child’s Learning occurs naturally life. for children through their play. Children are Being a parent is not easy. There are times when parents may happiest when they play become angry and even lose their temper with their baby. You and playing is one of the may feel overwhelmed and stressed. Know that . best tools for learning Check your local community agencies, or contact your early learning new skills. Join in your coalition to find parent groups for support. child’s play by getting down on his level and playing with him. Get Remember, you are your child’s 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. As he grows, 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 infant’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