Skill· 2.2y–3.3y· 5 min

Think It Through

Parent runs structured play observations targeting shape recognition, spatial reasoning, counting, comparison, block building, peg tasks, rhythm tapping, and mechanical toy operation. Covers twenty cognitive problem-solving milestones at 28-38mo.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

Blocks of different shapes on the table. 3 objects of clearly different sizes. Shape sorter if available. Pegboard if available. One mechanical toy (toy with buttons, levers, or moving parts).

How it works

  1. 1~90s

    Start with shapes. Point to the blocks one at a time: 'What shape is this?' — circle, square, triangle. Does your child know any shape names? Then: show the shape sorter or draw the shapes — 'Can you match the shapes?' Next: present 3 objects of very different sizes — a big cup, a medium cup, a small cup, or similar. Ask: 'Which one is bigger? Which is the biggest?' Does your child understand the concept of size? Tell me each.

    Watch for: Child identifies 2 or more shapes

  2. 2~90s

    Now counting and building. First: place 4 blocks in a line and ask your child to count them — touching each as they counts. Does your child count with one-to-one correspondence? Can your child count to 5? Then: build a simple bridge with blocks — two uprights and one across — or a truck shape — a flat rectangle for the body and a small square on top. Show your child and ask them to copy it. Finally: match 3 coloured blocks to matching coloured cups or pieces of paper — does your child sort by colour? Tell me each.

    Watch for: Child can count up to five objects

  3. 3~90s

    Three quick final tests. First: tap a rhythm on the table — tap twice, then tap four times, then tap eight times — and ask your child to copy each. Does your child match the count? Second: open a picture book to a scene with multiple things happening. Ask: 'What can you tell me about this picture?' How much does your child describe? Third: give your child a mechanical toy — anything with a button, lever, spring, or dial. Don't show how it works. Does your child figure it out? Tell me each.

    Watch for: Child taps with 2 blocks to match a model

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon