The Baby Club – Episode 2
Playing with Ribbons – Good Parenting Tips
In each episode of The Baby Club we have a ‘What’s in the bag?’ section, and in episode 2 we were playing with ribbons. When we were playing with ribbons on the show, you may not have been aware of how much thought had gone into why and how we used them. Also you might be interested to know how these items have inspired other parts of that specific episode. For that reason and to provide a little advice for new parents I have written Nigel’s Baby Club Diaries. Hopefully they will help you see:-
- How important your interactions with very young children are.
- Why they can help with learning.
- Ideas for verbal interactions you can have with your baby.
- That you are not alone in your thoughts.
- And that dad’s shouldn’t be embarrassed about getting involved too.
The information you will find here draws on Peeple’s Learning Together Programme. Peeple and the Foundation Years Trust charities were consultants on The Baby Club. As with anything regarding your baby, if you have any queries you should speak to your health visitor. They will be able to provide help and support with questions you may have.
Things you can do with ribbons?
During episode 2 we were playing with ribbons. You may have seen us using ribbon wavers, tickling baby using ribbons and using the ribbons in song. All of these help develop different aspects of your baby’s basic skills, and I will discuss these in a moment. But first I would like to give you a couple more ideas and things to look out for when you are trying this at home. These ideas are good as your baby gets older and you want to develop more complex skills.
- If you are playing with ribbons of different textures or colours, encourage your child to find a specific ribbon. This is a great opportunity to develop language. Simple phrases such as ‘Which one is the soft ribbon?’, ‘Look at the blue ribbon’, are a good place to start and the more repetition, encouragement and smiles the more your baby will get involved and understand.
- Use the ribbon during songs. Use it for waving or to demonstrate actions, for example ‘Wind’ or ‘Pull’.
- Use your ribbon to play ‘Where’s the ribbon gone?’. Hide the ribbon and bring it back. Have fun with this and encourage your baby to play and have fun too.
What areas does this activity help with?
Language Extension
Nearly all activities are a good opportunity to develop language and understanding. This one is good for learning the words like ‘long’ or ‘short’. And if you are playing with ribbons of different textures and colours it’s an ideal opportunity to learn words like ‘soft’ or ‘smooth’ or specific colours.
Rhythm and Music Development
If you are singing songs with actions this will help develop an understanding of rhythm. Repetitive movements and responding to patterns in nursery rhymes or songs will help to reinforce this.
Vocal Development
Singing songs while playing with ribbons will encourage your baby to be vocal and make sounds. This will help develop the muscles in your baby’s mouth and tongue, as well as those that control their vocal cords. These muscles are essential for when your baby starts to talk.
Songs and Nursery Rhymes
Songs and nursery rhymes are a huge part of The Baby Club and a fun way for babies and young children to learn. You’ll be surprised how well babies remember information that is delivered in a song. The obvious choice for nursery rhymes when playing with ribbons and the one we used on the show was ‘Wind the Bobbin Up’. But there is another one you may like to try called ‘Elephants on a Piece of String’. Make sure you emphasise and act out the actions if using ‘Wind the Bobbin Up’ as it will help your baby start to grasp what the actions are as they begin to mimic you.
What other objects can I use?
Want to learn more?
If you have found this helpful and want to find out more about supporting your child’s learning, please check out Peeple’s Facebook page. If you’re a practitioner, you can find out about the Peep Learning Together Programme and training on the Peeple website, or email Charlotte on info@peeple.org.uk.
