Under the Covers!
Parent hides a toy under multiple layers of blankets or covers while the child watches, then encourages the child to find it. The agent coaches the parent to observe problem-solving strategies, memory persistence, and understanding of object permanence — building abstract thinking and cognitive flexibility.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and child sitting on floor together. Need one small toy (familiar to child) and 2-3 blankets/towels/cloths of different textures/colors. Child should be alert and engaged. Space should allow child to move freely to search.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by showing your child the toy. Let them hold it for a moment so they knows what we're looking for. Now, while your child is watching, place the toy on the floor and cover it with just one blanket. Say 'Where did it go? Can you find it?' Watch how your child approaches this. Does they immediately lift the blanket? Does they hesitate or look to you for help? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child searches for and finds toy hidden under a single cover, demonstrating understanding that objects exist even when not visible.
- 2~45s
Now let's make it trickier. Show your child the toy again, then hide it under one blanket. Before they can find it, place a second blanket on top of the first. Now we have two layers! Say 'It's really hidden now! Can you still find it?' Watch your child's strategy. Does they lift just the top blanket? Does they understand to remove both? Does they remember it's the same toy under there?
Watch for: Child persists in search through multiple layers, demonstrating advanced object permanence and problem-solving.
- 3~40s
Let's try one more variation. This time, use blankets with different textures — maybe one fuzzy and one smooth. Hide the toy, then ask your child to find it. Watch if they notices the texture differences. Also, try a 'rule' — say 'We only lift the blankets, we don't throw them.' See if your child follows this simple instruction during the search. What do you observe about their awareness of object properties and rules?
Watch for: Child shows awareness of different blanket properties (texture, color) during search, indicating understanding of object characteristics.