8mo–20mo12 minFree playOutdoorFamily time
Hide & Find: Inside-to-Outside Search
A playful hide-and-find routine indoors then outdoors where you supports your child to search, uncover, and repeat the game with simple, safe hiding places.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a favourite toy that is too big to be a choking hazard
- a cloth/scarf or small towel
- 2 cups/bowls or a small box/container
Nice to have
- a cushion or chair to hide behind (indoors)
- a safe outdoor space (garden/yard/park corner) where you can stay close
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneFinds a visibly hidden objectMind· 7mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneMoves obstacle to get objectMind· 8mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReacts to disappearanceMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Watches toy being hidden and tries to find it.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Anticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks for dropped objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Play hiding and finding games inside and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)