Play activity 1 - look at what I can do

This activity develops: body awareness, listening, independent movement, looking and tracking.

What’s in the box?

Important safety notice: never leave a child unattended with a foil blanket.

These activities can be carried out within everyday routines, for example, nappy changing, dressing and undressing.

The blanket will keep the child warm so don’t worry if they are not fully clothed – the more freedom the better.

Lie the child down on the blanket – encourage them to feel the blanket and to listen to the scrunching sounds it makes.
Sit back and allow the child to explore the blanket using their hands, feet and head.
Use the blanket as a wrap – roll the child from side to side and from left to right.
Waft the blanket gently up and down over the child while they are lying down.

Hide different items under the blanket, encourage the child to find them.
Play with others – each holding a corner of the blanket make waves and add an item that will bounce around on it.

Do not rush the activity. Give plenty of time for children to respond.
Note which parts of the body are moved, and in what way.
Encourage other children to watch for responses. This will help them see how the child is able to communicate.
Introduce other materials to show contrasting movements and preferences, for example velvet, bubble wrap.
Cut up the blanket and use on one or two parts of the body, for example, hands, feet, head.
Note which side the child moves most frequently. Encourage use of the other side by adding additional stimuli, for example a favourite toy.

Blindfold one child and sit them at one end of the blanket. See if the others can move quietly enough on the blanket to reach the seated child before the sounds they are making give them away.
Use a play parachute to carry out activities in a group. Place a beach ball on the parachute and see if the children can work together to keep the ball on it.

These activities specifically relate to numeracy and mathematical development, however, they also complement other areas of learning.