Container exploration
6–12 monthsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Small container and safe toys
Give your child a container with a few small toys inside. Let them figure out how to get the toys out and then put them back in. Narrate their problem-solving: 'You're trying to fit that in' or 'You're shaking it to get things out.' Allow time for experimentation. Each attempt teaches them something new about how objects work.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Give your child a container with a few small toys inside. Let them figure out how to get the toys out and then put them back in. Narrate their problem-solving: 'You're trying to fit that in' or 'You're shaking it to get things out.' Allow time for experimentation. Each attempt teaches them something new about how objects work.
Why It Works
This open-ended activity allows your child to experiment, fail, and try again in a low-pressure setting. Through repetition, they learn that persistence pays off. Children of parents with higher growth mindset demonstrate greater persistence across tasks (Song, Y., Barger, M. M., & Bub, K. L., 2022). By giving your child problems to solve independently while you provide supportive language about their efforts, you cultivate the early roots of resilience and growth mindset.
Tips for Parents
Use a container with a wide opening that isn't too challenging. A small basket or plastic bowl works well.
Supervise to ensure toys are safe for mouthing, which is normal at this age.
Materials Needed
Small container and safe toys
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionMovement-Based Learning
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