All About Africa — Full Day for 9–12 Months
A nanny-ready day of songs, drums, animal books, water play, and gentle movement that introduces Africa through sound, story, and supervised play. This pack is built for a full day with a crawling or early-walking baby (about 9–12 months). It weaves African music, Swahili greetings, safari animal sounds, drum play, a soft pillow path, plantain story time, river-themed water play, and a calm folktale wind-down. Suggested flow (flex around feeds and naps): • After morning feeding: Swahili hello song → Africa song circle → Safari animal books • Late morning: Safari drum circle → Savanna pillow crawl (skip if tired before nap) • Midday / lunch: Plantain story time • After afternoon nap: River discovery play → Safari walk and peekaboo • Evening wind-down: Mufaro picture walk (short, picture-led) Many activities mirror favorites already in this family's library (Hello Song Swahili, Africa Song, animal books, pot drums, obstacle pillows, plantain book, Mufaro, water pull, peekaboo). The nanny gets full step-by-step instructions, safety notes, and look-for cues that the original quick entries did not include. Stay within arm's reach for water, climbing, and drum play. This is cultural exposure through everyday baby play—not a lesson plan with guaranteed outcomes.
By ggf
No account needed to try one activity.
What's inside
- Free preview
1. Swahili morning hello
1. Look at the baby, smile, and say "Jambo!" or "Habari?" once in a warm voice while you touch your own chest, then theirs.
- Available with full pack
2. Africa song circle
1. Start the song or sing the family's Africa Song while you pat the baby's knees or the floor in a slow beat.
- Available with full pack
3. Safari animal sounds
1. Open to the first animal. Name it clearly—"elephant"—and make a gentle trumpet sound or a simple gesture with your arm.
Materials needed: Baby animal board books (safari or farm animals) - Available with full pack
4. Safari drum circle
1. Tap the pot twice slowly—tap, tap—and invite the baby to copy with the spoon or their hand.
Materials needed: Lightweight pot or pan, Wooden spoon or silicone spatula - Available with full pack
5. Savanna pillow path
1. The baby starts at one end while you kneel beside the first cushion.
Materials needed: Floor cushions or couch pillows, Large play blanket or quilt, Soft animal toys or washcloth animals - Available with full pack
6. Plantain story time
1. Show the cover and say "plantain" slowly; tap the picture once.
Materials needed: Plantains-themed board book (if available) - Available with full pack
7. River discovery play
1. The baby sits beside the bin with you on the wet side, one hand ready to steady their chest if needed.
Materials needed: Shallow basin or storage bin, Soft animal toys or washcloth animals, Large play blanket or quilt - Available with full pack
8. Safari walk and peekaboo
1. Hold the baby's hands or let them cruise to the first animal—"We found a zebra!"
Materials needed: Light baby blanket or muslin, Soft animal toys or washcloth animals, Large play blanket or quilt - Available with full pack
9. Mufaro picture walk
1. Open to one full-page illustration. Name one color and one object—"green tree, big sun."
Materials needed: Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters or similar African folktale picture book
What you'll need
- Baby animal board books (safari or farm animals)
- Lightweight pot or pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Floor cushions or couch pillows
- Large play blanket or quilt
- Soft animal toys or washcloth animals
- Plantains-themed board book (if available)
- Shallow basin or storage bin
- Light baby blanket or muslin
- Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters or similar African folktale picture book
Before you begin
- ✓Always supervise your baby during activities.
- ✓Use soft, baby-safe objects and a safe play space.
- ✓Stop if your child becomes tired or frustrated.
The complete pack can be added directly to your child's MommyPlanIt calendar.