Gesture Games and Activities for Motor Skills

Gesture Games

• Put your face close up to his and then lean back while you sing to her or change her diaper. You can also swing slowly from one side to another so the baby follows you with her eyes.

• Play with the baby in front of the mirror. Imitate his or her movements. With time teach the baby new movements and allow him to copy you.

• Get close to the baby and close your eyes or mouth. Do this at a distance of approximately 25 cm.

Games and Activities for Motor Skills

• Help the baby to move his or her legs softly. Up and down first, con pedaling movements afterwards. Pick up his legs and allow him to stretch them. Remember that everything you do should be soft and progressive without over stimulating.

• Grab the baby slowly by the hands until you are able to gently lift him or her. Place pillows behind the baby so that he or she remains sitting. Sing to the baby and show her or him the things in the house while the baby is in the sitting position.

• Show the baby games with your hands. For example, songs that you can play with his or her fingers while singing. Clap, touch the baby’s index finger, brush you hands with his, grab his foot etc.

• When the baby is able to crawl allow him to discover the house. It is not good for them to be sitting all day, lying down or in enclosed spaces that does not allow them to move around.

• Play with the baby on the floor and imitate his or her movements. It is important you find each other face to face.

• Use a lot of vocalization, gestures, smiles, facial expressions etc so that the baby wants to imitate the body movements. For example, make longer sounds when you are elevating one of the baby’s legs.

• Allow him or her to grab your finger. Draw teensy circles in the air while the baby holds your finger.

• Place an object in the baby’s hand and then change it to the other. Walk you fingers on his body and allow the baby to grab them. Leave him object that are at reach so he can grab them himself. When the baby crawls, place them near and help him reach them.

• When the baby walks, leave a plastic recipient and some objects inside of it at a distance. You can also ask the baby to bring certain object to you.