Dr. Sally Says..

The first three years of life are more important than most people think.  They lay the foundation for life’s future successes. A child who is well developed by the time he or she is three will automatically be predictive of being successful in school by age six.

Here is a nice way to focus your attention on your baby!  As you two both enjoy these very special words, your baby will reap the rewards of increased self-awareness. While you are teaching body parts to your baby on the outside, your baby will be experiencing the beginnings of self-esteem development on the inside. That’s a good deal!

Activity 5

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

Age Range: Birth to Three Months

Area Being Developed: Self-esteem (Belief in Oneself)

Place your baby in a comfortable position in which his or her hands are free and your baby can easily look at you.  As you sing the following words, or even say them, point to your baby’s corresponding body parts.

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes.

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes.

Eyes and ears and mouth and nose,

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,

Knees and toes.

RELATED MILESTONES OF DEVELOPMENT

• Responds to sound and touch
• Looks at faces, patterns, and objects
• Explores surroundings