Simple hide and seek
1–2 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Favorite toy or small object
Blanket or cushions for hiding
Hide a favorite toy under a blanket or behind a cushion while your child watches. Let them find it, then encourage them to hide it for you. Keep hiding spots simple and obvious at first. As they understand the game, you can make it slightly trickier. This activity builds memory skills and understanding of object permanence while satisfying their curiosity about where things go.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Hide a favorite toy under a blanket or behind a cushion while your child watches. Let them find it, then encourage them to hide it for you. Keep hiding spots simple and obvious at first. As they understand the game, you can make it slightly trickier. This activity builds memory skills and understanding of object permanence while satisfying their curiosity about where things go.
Why It Works
This game leverages your child's natural curiosity about objects and their locations, supporting memory and cognitive development through playful exploration. Studies demonstrate that curiosity is as important as intelligence in determining academic success, with curious students engaging more deeply with learning material (Kashdan & Yuen, 2007). By following your child's lead in this simple game, you're nurturing their intrinsic motivation to explore and discover.
Tips for Parents
Make finding easy at first to build confidence and keep the game fun.
Show excitement when they find the toy or when you find their hiding spot.
Let them hide the same object many times if they want - repetition helps learning.
Materials Needed
Favorite toy or small object
Blanket or cushions for hiding
Learning Methods
Hands-On ExplorationBeginning Symbolic Play
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