Color is a basic concept that is easy to introduce in the early childhood curriculum for babies. Providing toys in a variety of colors lets the infants explore the differences. Saying the color names introduces the babies to the color terminology they will hear in future color activities. Art activities that use a variety of colors also work well for babies. A simple art activity is to mix food coloring with vanilla pudding to create edible finger paints.
A letter theme is another good option for introducing babies to basic concepts. Seeing the shapes of the letters prepares them for preschool when they will learn more about them. Large foam letters with textured surfaces work well for the theme. Alphabet books are also a key component to this baby theme option.
Music is a stimulating activity for babies. Playing a variety of music during this curriculum theme exposes them to different instruments and musical styles. Older babies can move along to the music through bobbing up and down or waving their arms. Simple musical instruments such as maracas and tambourines also provide activities during the baby music theme.
The changing seasons provide plenty of inspiration for educational activities. Books that depict the different seasons are a good introduction. Taking the babies for a stroller ride outdoors during mild weather is a good way to give them firsthand experience with the different seasons.
Babies experience lots of new foods as their diets expand. These new foods also work well as a theme for the baby education program. The new foods they try make up part of this theme's activities. You can also use toy food with the babies to help them recognize new foods they haven't tried yet. Toy cooking pans also add to the effect of this theme.
Activities relating to the basic emotions helps babies start recognizing these feelings. Incorporate children's books that talk about emotions. Pictures of babies and adults displaying different emotions are also useful. Make your own book for the babies by placing the images inside a scrapbook style album.