Age: 9-12 months
Indirect Aim: Coordination and balance control
Direct Aim: Social development through cooperation (playing a game)

Materials: A long colorful scarf or sock, a basket or container for the scarf.

Place your baby in front of you, take the scarf out of the container, and put one end of the
scarf in your baby's hands and the other end in your hands.

Allow the infant time to examine and explore the scarf, and when she pulls or tugs on it,
pull it towards you.

If the infant cannot hold onto her end of the scarf, you can tie it around her wrist.

If the infant lets go of her end of the scarf, place it back into her hands to grasp. She may
also want to mouth it.

Create a gentle motion of pulling back and forth between you and the infant, smile, sing a
song, and make it fun! Keep playing with the scarf, offering it to her if she drops it, then
put it away when she loses interest.

You can also use language for this game, "pull," tug," and "push." You can also begin the
game by saying, "We are going to play the see-saw game or tug-of-war (or peace) game."

When you are finished with your activity, place it in a basket in a nearby place for future
play/lessons.

From time to time, replace the object.

Other objects you can use: a stuffed animal, paper towel tub, or an envelope.

Lisa Nolan
http://www.montessorifortheearth.com