Imagine & explore

Open play-mat place

Use a flat play mat as an open awake-play place for a short book or large toy.

10 minutes

What you'll need

One-piece non-slip play mat laid completely flat · Sturdy board book or one-piece soft toy labelled suitable for children under 3

Before you start

Can explore materials with close caregiver supervision

Best fit: either · medium energy · medium caregiver effort · medium mess

How to play

  1. Lay the play mat completely flat in an open clear space.
  2. Let your child choose the book or toy while the adult holds it.
  3. Use the open space for a short awake story, then pack everything away.
Make it easier

Sit beside one toy on the flat mat for a brief story.

Standard

Use a flat play mat as an open awake-play place for a short book or large toy.

Extend it

Choose one second large toy to visit without adding coverings or enclosures.

What you might notice

Planning, comfort preferences and the story attached to the space.

Keep it safe

For awake play only: use no cushion, blanket, tent, enclosure or sleep setup. Keep the non-slip mat flat, inspect the under-3 book or toy, stay within arm's reach, stop mouthing or fatigue, and store everything.

Why it may be useful

There is no single right result here—the value is in exploring, pretending and sharing the moment.

moderate

Outcomes depend on context and the child's interest; sensory preferences vary widely.

Weisberg, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016) — Guided Play: Principles and Practices

Quinn et al. (2020) — Pretend Play and Early Language Development—Relationships and Impacts: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Lillard et al. (2013) — The impact of pretend play on children's development: A review of the evidence

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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