Nighttime Treasure Box

What you'll need

Bedtime items gathered in a box or container (pajamas, toothbrush, book, etc.). Toddler should be calm and ready for bedtime routine. Parent and child sitting together near the box.

How it works

1. 1~40s

   Start by opening the treasure box together. Show your child all the items inside and say, 'Look! Everything we need for bedtime!' Then ask, 'What do we do first?' You might say, 'First we take a bath or shower. Can you find the soap?' Or 'First we put on pajamas. Can you find them?' Watch how your child responds — does they look at the items, point, or try to pick something out?

   Watch for: Toddler shows understanding of bedtime routine sequence by identifying or selecting appropriate items when asked.

2. 2~35s

   Now invite your child to choose the next item. After the first step is done, go back to the box and say, 'What comes next? Can you find the toothbrush?' or 'Now we brush teeth — which toothbrush is yours?' Watch if your child searches through the box, makes a selection, and shows pride in their choice. Does they hand you the item or try to use it themself?

   Watch for: Toddler makes independent choices within the routine, showing autonomy and decision-making.

3. 3~30s

   For the final step, see if your child can help complete the routine. After brushing teeth, say, 'What's last? Time for a story!' See if they goes to the box and gets a book. Or if you're done, ask, 'Is the box empty now? Did we use everything?' Notice if your child shows satisfaction in completing the routine — maybe smiling, clapping, or saying 'all done.'

   Watch for: Toddler participates in completing a multi-step routine, showing understanding of beginning, middle, and end.

What this develops

• ◆Milestone
  Joint Attention

  Thinkingprimary

Visual example