Hide and Seek is a difficult concept to grasp for a little one, but it is a great way to practice skills. So the key is to start simple and stretch from there. To go with this month's theme, May Flowers, I took silk flowers off their stems and hid them around the room.
I gave him a bag and told him to look around the room and find flowers to put in the bag. He really enjoyed Easter Egg Hunts so he jumped right in!
All I did was tell him that there were more flowers. He hurried along looking for flowers. He did become frustrated at points and I would encourage him by saying, "Have you looked behind the door?" He really enjoyed himself and we played it over and over about 7 or 8 times.
I had six flower that he searched for and in each game I tried to hide some of the flowers in the same place but more in new places. I wanted him to have some guaranteed success but also stretched him to think of where the flowers could possibly be hiding.
There was, of course, peeking! But the point was not all about the hiding the eyes! He needs to learn that it is more fun if he has to find them without knowing where they are in addition to trusting that I will hide them and he will find them! I tried to see if he wanted to hide the flowers and let me find them, but he was certainly NOT interested in that! Maybe as we continue to play he will want to try to hide the flowers too!
I just discovered your blog (found it on Teach Preschool's side bar). I am so happy I did because I have a 16 month old and I am constantly trying to put together "activities" to stimulate him. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering, could you please tell me the exact age of your son? I would like to back track in your blog and match up the activities (generally speaking).
Thanks so much and thanks again for the blog!
Thanks Shelley!! My son is currently 21 months. He is a very active young guy and is not interested in doing anything that he thinks I am 'teaching' him to do. He must learn through play alone. I hope you find my blog helpful! Please feel free to email me any questions you may have!
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