Words & communication

Describe the mystery object

Hide one familiar object from view and trade clues about how it looks, feels or is used.

10 minutes

What you'll need

One familiar large intact object · Adult-held opaque rigid container or short-handled fabric pouch, optional

Before you start

Child can share attention to a brief story, object or spoken game in their preferred way

Best fit: either · calm energy · low caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Choose an object the child knows and keep it out of view.
  2. Give one simple clue about its use or appearance.
  3. Add clues slowly, then swap roles only if the child wants.
Make it easier

Keep the object partly visible and let the child answer by pointing, choosing between two objects, gesturing, using a communication aid or asking for another clue.

Standard

Hide one familiar object from view and trade clues about how it looks, feels or is used.

Extend it

Limit clue words by avoiding the object's name, colour or usual location.

What you might notice

Notice which kinds of clues and response methods the child prefers.

Keep it safe

Use only an adult-held rigid container or a short-handled fabric pouch without cords or detachable parts. Never use a plastic or drawstring bag, and store the container and object immediately after play.

Why it may be useful

This activity creates an easy moment for back-and-forth communication, shared attention and hearing useful words in context.

strong

Applies to caregiver-led language opportunities; it does not predict an individual child's language trajectory.

Jeong et al. (2021) — Parenting interventions to promote early child development in the first three years of life: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Dowdall et al. (2025) — Home-based shared book reading and developmental outcomes in young children: a systematic review with meta-analyses

More moments like this

Find an idea that fits right now.

Little Now matches practical play ideas to your time, setup and your child’s current interests—without an account, advertising or tracking.

The iPhone and iPad app is awaiting App Store approval.

How it works
  • Retell a familiar story

    Use three pictures or familiar objects to retell a well-known story in the child's own words, actions or sounds.

  • Silly action-word swap

    Choose two playful action words, then agree on a silly meaning swap without requiring the child to comply.

  • Rhyme around the room

    Choose a familiar word and enjoy playful real or invented words that sound the same at the end.

Browse all play ideas