Which board hides it?
Hide a toy behind one of two adult-held sturdy board-book covers and track where it is.
8 minutesWhat you'll need
Two adult-held sturdy board books · One-piece toy labelled suitable for children under 3
Before you start
Can manipulate large household objects
Best fit: indoors · medium energy · low caregiver effort · low mess
How to play
- Hide part of the toy slowly behind one book.
- Move the books apart without swapping while the adult holds both.
- Invite your child to find it.
Leave a small part visible.
Hide a toy behind one of two adult-held sturdy board-book covers and track where it is.
Swap the book positions once while your child watches.
Visual tracking and confidence in searching.
Use no cloth or loose covering. The adult holds both intact books, keeps the child's face and toy visible, stays within arm's reach, stops mouthing or damage, and stores all items afterward.
Why it may be useful
This gives your child room to explore while you add just enough help to keep the puzzle interesting.
moderateGuided-play evidence is stronger in preschool samples; toddler activities should remain simple and child-led.
Weisberg, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016) — Guided Play: Principles and Practices
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