Which of the following activities is recommended for infants aged birth to 8 months?

The recommended activity of touching and holding books is essential for infants aged birth to 8 months as it supports early literacy development in several key ways. During this stage, infants are beginning to explore their world through their senses. Engaging with books helps to stimulate their tactile senses as they discover different textures, colors, and images on the pages. This interaction is fundamental in fostering a love for reading and books from an early age.

Additionally, when infants touch and hold books, they begin developing motor skills, such as grasping and manipulating objects, which are crucial for their overall physical development. The act of holding a book can also promote visual tracking as they look at pictures and attempt to turn pages, enhancing their visual development.

Furthermore, sharing books during this time can promote bonding between the caregiver and the infant, reinforcing secure attachments which are vital for emotional development. This activity can also lay the groundwork for language development as caregivers often narrate the images or engage the infant in sounds related to the text, fostering their auditory skills.

In summary, the activity of touching and holding books is not only appropriate for infants in this age range but also plays a significant role in their cognitive, physical, and emotional development.