Pack the little basket
Choose what will fit in a shallow open basket for a pretend outing.
8 minutesWhat you'll need
Wide shallow rigid basket with no lid, handle, cord or closing mechanism · Four large one-piece toys labelled suitable for children under 3
Before you start
Can manipulate large household objects
Best fit: indoors · medium energy · low caregiver effort · low mess
How to play
- Choose a pretend destination.
- Let your child select and place visible toys in the basket.
- If it gets full, wonder what could change.
Offer two objects that both fit.
Choose what will fit in a shallow open basket for a pretend outing.
Add one oversized object and solve the space problem together.
Choices, size reasoning and responses when something does not fit.
Use no bag, handle, drawstring, cord or lid. Hold the open rigid basket at floor level, inspect every under-3 toy, stay within arm's reach, stop mouthing or throwing, and count and store all items.
Why it may be useful
This gives your child room to explore while you add just enough help to keep the puzzle interesting.
moderateGuided-play evidence is stronger in preschool samples; toddler activities should remain simple and child-led.
Weisberg, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016) — Guided Play: Principles and Practices
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