Variations of Peek-a-Boo
These variations of the old classic Peek-a-Boo game can be used to help your little one’s developing sense of object permanence - the knowledge that although he cannot see an object (or person), it still exists. Object permanence is an important foundation for the development of memory, reasoning, problem-solving as well as goal-orientated thinking.
Sandy “peek-a-boo”
For this activity, you will need:
- Soft sand
- Objects to hide (beach toys, balls, pegs, straws etc)
To play:
- Sand play offers a wonderful sensory experience for your little one. It can also be a great place to show him how you can “hide” objects under the sand and then “peek” them out again as a variation of the ever popular “peek-a-boo” game.
- Encourage your adventurous baby to stick objects into the sand. Thick straws, pegs, garden sticks, ice-cream sticks, spoons, blocks, toilet roll inners, curlers, spades or beach toys are all relatively easy to push into the sand.
- Now watch while he has lots of fun playing “hide and seek” or “peek-a-boo” with the objects.
Now you see me, now you don’t
For this activity, you will need:
- A light blanket, scarf or pillow
To play:
- This age-old favourite has many variations. If you’re out and about you can simply use your hands to cover your eyes and then peek out at your baby.
- Light blankets, scarves and even pillows can also be used to hide under or behind.
- Try to pick something with a plain design (as a busy piece of fabric may take your inquisitive baby’s attention away from the game).
- Start by covering your own face and then cover your baby’s face and encourage her to peek out at you.
- A huge HURRAY! Or PEEK-A-BOO will give her all the encouragement to try again and again.
