Tickle Pictures

The basic idea

For babies, trace words like “I love you” on their tummy as you chat with them. For wee ones able to sit up/stand and scribble, say shapes, letters and numbers as you trace them on their back.

Over to you, wee one

Make an offer: “Can you draw on MY back and I’ll guess what you’re drawing?” As they ‘draw’ on your back, draw what they do on paper (or whatever else you have). Copy them as closely as you can – slow, fast, swirly, dots. Then swap over if they’re up for it.

Cheeky bonuses

• Great for bonding, touch and cuddles
• Pointing, communication and expression
• Building blocks for literacy

Variations

• Babies may not start ‘drawing’ but don’t worry, touch and chat are just as important
• Older children can guess number, letters, shapes or even answer questions
• Can you ‘draw’ songs like Incy Wincy Spider?

And remember…

Don’t worry about getting it right all the time, half the fun is making mistakes and having a giggle! If your show your wee one it’s okay to get it wrong and try again they will take the same positive attitude.