2.5y–4.2y10 minFree playFamily timeQuiet time
Shape Peek-a-Boo Detective
Coach you to play a peek-a-boo shape game—revealing shapes a little at a time and at different angles—prompting your child to guess what the shape is, what else it could be, and what it could not be.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3–4 everyday objects with clear shapes (e.g., plate, book, lid, small box)
- a tea towel/scarf OR a piece of paper (to cover part of an object)
- a clear flat space (table/floor)
Nice to have
- paper and pen (to draw a quick shape)
- a small flashlight (optional, for shadow shapes)
- phone camera (optional)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneNotices detailed features of objects in their environment.Mind· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSorts Objects by AttributeMind· 2.3y–3.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Shows an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows awareness of similarities of shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses positional language.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Play peek-a-boo, revealing shapes a little at a time and at different angles, asking children to say what they think the shape is, what else it could be or what it could not be.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)