Peek and discover
2–3 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Small toys or safe household objects
Cups, bowls, or small cloths for hiding
Hide small toys or objects under cups, bowls, or cloths around a room. Give your child clues about what's hidden, like "It's something red" or "It makes a sound." Let them search and discover each item. As they find things, celebrate their detective work. You can also hide the same object in different spots and let them search multiple times. Switch roles and let your child hide things for you to find.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Hide small toys or objects under cups, bowls, or cloths around a room. Give your child clues about what's hidden, like "It's something red" or "It makes a sound." Let them search and discover each item. As they find things, celebrate their detective work. You can also hide the same object in different spots and let them search multiple times. Switch roles and let your child hide things for you to find.
Why It Works
This activity creates curiosity through anticipation and mystery. Research shows that when children are curious about finding answers, they remember what they discover much better (Gruber et al., 2014). The game supports problem-solving skills and builds your child's ability to follow clues, which requires holding information in mind and using it. By making discovery fun and rewarding, you're building the intrinsic motivation for learning that predicts academic success (Shah et al., 2018). The element of surprise keeps engagement high.
Tips for Parents
Start with just two or three hiding spots. You can add more as your child gets comfortable with the game.
Give clues that match your child's current abilities. Simple color or size clues work well at this age.
Make your search dramatic and fun when it's your turn. This models enthusiasm for discovery and problem solving.
Materials Needed
Small toys or safe household objects
Cups, bowls, or small cloths for hiding
Learning Methods
Symbolic and Pretend PlayHands-On Sensory ActivitiesInteractive Play-Based Learning
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