The Activity Kit for Babies and Toddlers at Risk

Starred review from November 1, 2015

This activity book, compiled by experts in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, behavior analysis, and pediatrics, helps parents help their children and provides a wonderful contextual structure for establishing everyday routines and activities that will strengthen communication and social skills in children from birth to age three. Beginning with a cohesive definition of "at risk," the authors identify two sets of children who may present concerns for developmental delay: the child who is already showing delays, such as lack of eye contact or language development; and the child with at-risk factors, such as prematurity, genetic predisposition, or identified medical conditions. Supporting parents as the most important teachers in their babies' lives, the authors illustrate 100-plus activities (getting dressed, mealtime, etc.) that enhance nonverbal communication, motor coordination, and language skills. VERDICT Parents will find encouragement for implementing activities that cost nothing yet emulate clinical practice. The methods behind the tasks give new meaning to the "same ol' routine" and make learning opportunities out of the otherwise mundane.

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