What You Need

• Basket
• Fur
• Silk
• Velvet
• Fleece
• Burlap
• Linen
• Wool

How to Do this Activity

Create a basket of materials with varying colors and textures. Be sure to cut large pieces of fabric (12 by 12 inches is best), keep the edges and any strings trimmed, and wash each piece regularly.

First, allow your child to explore the materials and see what she does. Then join her and talk about the objects. Ask, “Which one is soft? Which one is rough?” And if she seems to like the fur, say, “You like the soft fur, don’t you? Do you want to see what it feels like on your arm?” Talk about attributes. Say, “The smooth silk is pink” and “Is the tan burlap scratchy?”

What Your Child Learns

Through this activity, infants expand their understanding of the world through touch. Through your questions and comments, they begin to make observations and form opinions. They develop language skills as they listen to your words. Perhaps most importantly, though, they make positive associations between their warm relationship with you and the excitement of learning.