FM.C.42 FINDS A HIDDEN OBJECT UNDER 2 COVERS

The child’s concept of object permanence is well established by the time this level is reached. This activity is designed to encourage the child to ‘keep track’ of an object through a more complex series of events. The skills of persisting, and trying again if necessary, are also strengthened.

How to Assess

Materials: A favourite toy. 2 pieces of cloth, about 30 cm square. Upturned containers or cardboard screens could also be used.

Method: Put the cloths on the table, side by side, Hide the toy under one cloth several times, letting your child retrieve it each time. Now hide the toy under the second cloth.

Score plus if your child finds the toy under the second cloth.

How to Teach

When you first introduce this game, proceed very slowly and deliberately, drawing your child’s attention to each move you make.

If he looks under the wrong cloth, say ‘It’s not there. Where could it be?’ Give your child time to look under the cloth himself, before stepping in to help him.

Keep in mind when teaching that the skills of persisting after a mistake, and trying other alternatives, are important skills in their own right and should be strongly reinforced. Avoid saying ‘No’ or ‘You’re wrong’ when your child looks under the empty cover. Respond in a way that will encourage your child to have another try.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

This game is great fun when played with pillows on the floor – or better still, on a big bed! You can use large boxes, or the cushions on the lounge, if your child can lift them. What about putting a picture or photograph into one of two envelopes? Or putting a sandwich under one of two dishes on the table? You will find many variations of your own.

REMEMBERING AND EXTENDING THIS SEQUENCE

Hide-and-seek games have an important role throughout the preschool years. Here are some challenging variations.

Put a toy under 1 of 2 identical containers, while your child watches. Then move the containers around. Can your child identify the right container? If he goes to the wrong one first, does he then look under the other one? Later, you could try this with 3 containers. As a special treat, play this game with small pieces of food.

Encourage your child to take a turn at hiding a toy – you do the looking.

This game can be played on the floor or sitting at a large table. Attach long pieces of string or wool to one end of 2 or 3 egg cartons, to make ‘trains’. Put a toy or treat into one of the trains and give the ends of the strings to your child. See if he can pull the train carrying the treat towards himself.

Hide 3 small treats around the room, while your child watches. Then see if he can remember where all the treats are. (Don’t use foods items that take a long time to eat or he may lose interest.)

The older preschooler will enjoy the traditional game of hide-and-seek, especially if all the family joins in.