Family Collage: Photos + Beginning Sounds

Infants build foundations through repetition and responsive interaction.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Large, sturdy paper or poster board

- Child-safe glue sticks

- Pre-cut squares of thin cardboard or cardstock (approximately 3x3 inches)

- Printed photos of the children's immediate families (parents, siblings) – ensure they are child-safe, laminated if possible.

- Laminated flashcards with large, clear uppercase letters of the first letter of each child's name.

- Soft fabric scraps in various colours and textures

- Large buttons (ensure they are too big to be a choking hazard)

- Ribbon scraps

- A small, smooth wooden block

Learning Objectives

- Children will engage with visual representations of their family members.

- Children will experience tactile exploration of various materials.

- Children will begin to associate their own name with a visual cue.

- Children will hear and begin to recognise the initial sound of their own name.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the infants in a circle on the floor with comfortable mats. Have the family photos, flashcards, and other materials spread out within easy reach.

2. Introduce the activity: "Today, we're making a special picture about our families! Families are the people who love us and take care of us at home."

3. Show an infant a photo of their parent or caregiver. Say their name and the family member's name. "Look, this is [Child's Name] and here is [Family Member's Name]!"

4. Invite the infant to touch and hold the photo. Allow them to explore its texture.

5. Introduce the letter flashcard for their initial. "This letter is for [Child's Name]. It makes the sound /b/ like in 'baby' or 'ball'." Gently guide their hand to touch the letter.

6. Offer the child-safe glue stick. Model how to place a small amount on a cardboard square. Let them explore the sticky texture.

7. Encourage children to explore the fabric scraps, buttons, ribbon, and wooden block, relating them to home and family. "This soft fabric feels like a cozy blanket at home. This block is like a toy at your house."

8. Assist them in pressing the photos and other materials onto their cardboard squares, creating a small "family picture."

9. Place the completed cardboard squares onto the large paper, creating a communal family collage.

Educator Tip

For infants, focus on sensory exploration and positive associations. Ensure all materials are non-toxic and too large to be swallowed. If a child is hesitant, model the interaction yourself and offer gentle encouragement. Involve families by asking them to send in photos and perhaps a small, safe item from home that represents their family.

Assessment

Observe which infants show interest in the photos and engage with the tactile materials. Note any vocalizations or facial expressions that indicate recognition or engagement with their own name and the beginning sound. Collect the finished cardboard squares as evidence of participation.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, calm engagement.

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