Thinking & solving

What comes next sequence

Arrange three familiar routine pictures or objects and wonder together what could come next, allowing more than one sensible answer.

10 minutes

What you'll need

Three or four large routine pictures or familiar objects

Before you start

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

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

How to play

  1. Choose a routine the child knows.
  2. Place three moments in a possible order.
  3. Ask what might come next and act out or add the child's answer.
Make it easier

Use first and last only, then add the middle together.

Standard

Arrange three familiar routine pictures or objects and wonder together what could come next, allowing more than one sensible answer.

Extend it

Create a silly sequence and invite the child to enjoy it, explain it, rearrange it or leave it as it is.

What you might notice

Notice how the child uses experience, language or gesture to connect the moments.

Keep it safe

Check that every material is intact, age-appropriate and non-toxic. Stay nearby, keep movement at floor level, and let the child stop, simplify or change the activity.

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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