Thinking & solving

Find its place

Match three familiar objects to simple outlines drawn on paper.

8 minutes

What you'll need

Three large familiar objects · Adult-prepared sturdy board with traced outlines

Before you start

Can manipulate large household objects

Best fit: indoors · medium energy · low caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Place the objects near their outlines.
  2. Match one together.
  3. Let your child rotate and test the rest.
Make it easier

Use two objects with very different shapes.

Standard

Match three familiar objects to simple outlines drawn on paper.

Extend it

The adult can prepare one new outline before the next play session.

What you might notice

Rotation, comparison and self-correction.

Keep it safe

The adult prepares the board away from the child. Use intact under-3 one-piece objects, stay within arm's reach, stop mouthing or throwing, discard a bent or peeling board, 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.

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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