8mo–20mo12 minFree playFamily timeDevelopmental play
Sound Detective Basket
An adult-led sound discrimination game using safe household objects, helping toddlers attend, listen closely, and distinguish between different everyday sounds.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small basket or bowl
- 2–4 safe household sound-makers (e.g., keys on a big ring, a metal spoon and plastic cup, crinkly paper, a sealed plastic bottle with a few dry beans/rice)
Nice to have
- a scarf or small towel (for hiding an object)
- a spot by a window/door to listen for street sounds
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar environmental soundsMind· 12mo–2y· core
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing for short periods.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by noises or other people talking.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has a strong exploratory impulse.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Collect resources that children can listen to and learn to distinguish between. These may include noises in the street, and games that involve guessing which object makes a particular sound”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)