Promoting Independent Dressing to a Baby: Introduction to Body Parts
Alula has been learning to feed herself quite well. Next week she's turning 9 months. According to The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, children in this age range (8-18 months) often can help undress and dress, put foot in shoe and arm in sleeve. I think it's time to introduce her to a new set of skill: independent dressing. I understand that it will take sometime to learn. I'm not expecting Alula to master the skill instantly. Mama just want to start introducing it early and will incorporate this skill into our daily activities whenever possible.
So, this is the training plan:
- Introduction to body parts
- Introduction on how to pull socks off
- Introduction on how to pull T-shirt/ dress off the head
- Introduction on how to put arms through sleeves
- Introduction on how to put legs through leggings/ pants
As the first step, I start to intentionally introduce the name of body parts today to my dear baby. I emphasise the 'intentionally' part because so far I have been on and off about it, not consistently making the effort to get them across to Alula.
Alula loves it when I sing to her. She will shake her head or clap her hands excitedly. I know the perfect song to introduce body parts. So today I introduce Alula to a new song: Head Shoulders Knees and Toes :D
Head and shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes
Head and shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes
Ad eyes and ears
And mouth and nose
Head and shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes
Feet and tummies arms and chins
Arms and chins
Feet and tummies arms and chins
Arms and chins
And eyes and ears
And mouth and shins
Feet and tummies arms and chins
Arms and chins
Hands and fingers legs and lips
Legs and lips
Hands and fingers legs and lips
Legs and lips
And eyes and ears
And mouth and hips
Hands and fingers legs and lips
Legs and lips
I sing the song while touching the body parts being sung. As I expected, Lulu giggles happily and clapping her hands while I sing. Once she tried to mimic Mama to touch her head when I touch my head. It's a good start, Lulu!
I am so excited about this project. I hope Alula does too!