Thinking & solving

Make a map of the room

Draw a simple map of one room together and use it to find a familiar location or object.

10 minutes

What you'll need

Large paper · Washable thick crayons

Before you start

Child can explore a simple problem with familiar objects in their preferred position

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

How to play

  1. Choose one room and identify two or three landmarks from the child's comfortable position.
  2. Draw simple shapes for those landmarks and add where you are.
  3. Use the map to move in the child's usual way, or direct the caregiver, to one marked place.
Make it easier

Map just the door and one favourite spot with two shapes.

Standard

Draw a simple map of one room together and use it to find a familiar location or object.

Extend it

Add a route, symbol key or a change made by the child.

What you might notice

Notice which landmarks and spatial words help the child connect the drawing with the room.

Keep it safe

Use washable, age-labelled drawing materials on a clear surface. Keep caps and broken pieces away, supervise use, and keep any route free of obstacles. Let the child remain seated or direct the caregiver.

Why it may be useful

This gives your child room to explore while you add just enough help to keep the puzzle interesting.

moderate

Guided-play evidence is stronger in preschool samples; toddler activities should remain simple and child-led.

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

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

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