60 t h i n k i n g s k i l l s
activities
If your child can see a little, be sure to adapt these activities to make the
best use of his remaining sight (see Chapter 4).
Understanding objects
A baby knows that an object (or person) exists when it can be seen,
touched, heard, smelled, or tasted. But if the object drops out of sight or
no longer makes a sound, a baby thinks the object has disappeared.
A baby who cannot see well has more difficulty learning that these
objects still exist than babies who can see. This is because he has less
information about objects. For example, he may not be able to see that
the object is still there when it stops making a sound.
To help your child understand that objects still exist
when they cannot be seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled
Tie strings onto toys and then onto
chairs, tables, and your child’s clothes
or hands (see page 41).
Put seeds or small stones
into a round gourd or ball
so it makes a sound as it
rolls. Then encourage your
child to roll the ball back
and forth between you. The
sound will help him learn
that the object still exists
even after it leaves his hands.
helping children who are blind