When to try it
Try this when your child is interested in reaching for a nearby toy and can play comfortably on the floor with you. Start with the toy mostly visible. Their response will help you decide what to offer next.
What you need
- One familiar toy suitable for your child’s age, without small or detachable parts.
- One small, lightweight cloth, without loops, cords, or loose threads.
Play together
Start with the toy in view.
Sit with your child on the floor and let them see and explore it.
Leave a clue.
While they’re watching, drape the cloth over part of the toy. Leave plenty showing and keep it within easy reach.
Give them a turn.
They might reach for the toy, pull the cloth, or look to you. Pause long enough to see what they choose.
Help if they need it.
Uncover more of the toy or show them the reveal. Offer another turn if they’re interested.
If the cloth becomes more interesting than the toy, bring the toy back into view. You can leave the hiding part for another time.
Make it easier
Cover only the edge of the toy, or reveal it yourself while your child watches. Keep the toy close enough that reaching it is manageable.
Try a little more hiding
If your child is finding the partly hidden toy, cover a little more while they watch. Keep the same toy, location, and single lightweight cover so you can notice how they respond to that one change.
Notice their response
What did you notice?
Did they reach for the visible part? Move the cloth? Look where you hid the toy? Those are different observations to build on next time.
Learn about object permanence and what you might notice during play