Object Permanence with Search
Searches for objects that are hidden from view, demonstrating understanding that objects continue to exist when not visible
What the research says
Referenced across 3 developmental frameworks: asq_3 · cdc_milestones · who_gsed
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Before this (3)
Required (1)
- Visual TrackingMin: secureMust be able to track object movement before understanding it continues to exist when hidden
Helpful
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Character (2)
How it's taught
Play hiding games with favorite toys; start with partial hiding, progress to complete hiding; celebrate when baby finds object; use peek-a-boo to reinforce concept; hide objects during play routines
Materials: Cloths, blankets, containers, favorite toys, everyday objects
What mastery looks like
Does not search for objects once they are out of sight
- Loses interest when object is hidden
- Does not look toward where object was hidden
- Acts as if object no longer exists
- No attempt to retrieve hidden object
Shows awareness that hidden object exists but search is inconsistent
- Looks toward where object was hidden
- May reach briefly but gives up quickly
- Search behavior depends on how recently object was hidden
- More successful with partial hiding
Actively searches for and retrieves objects hidden in simple ways
- Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
- Searches for objects hidden under cloth or blanket
- Persists in search until object found
- Shows satisfaction when object retrieved
Consistently searches for hidden objects even with delays or multiple hiding locations
- Searches for objects after delay
- Can find objects hidden in multiple locations
- Searches systematically
- Anticipates where objects might be hidden
- Shows understanding of object permanence across contexts
Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of object permanence, including invisible displacement
- Searches for objects moved while hidden
- Understands invisible displacement (object hidden in hand, then hand placed under cloth)
- Can track multiple hidden objects
- Uses memory of hiding location after extended delays
- Shows understanding that objects can be in containers within containers
Activities for this (12)
Kitchen Treasure Hunt
A fun game where your child learns to place objects into containers using everyday kitchen items.
Peek-a-Boo Rhythm Fun
Peek-a-Boo Treasure Hunt
A playful hide-and-seek game that helps your baby discover that objects still exist even when they can't see them.
Where Did It Go?
Classic hide-and-find game where the parent hides a toy under a cloth or behind a cushion while the baby watches. The guide walks the parent through observing the baby's search strategies, revealing cognitive understanding of object permanence, problem-solving approaches, and persistence.
Hiding Objects
This helps develop your baby's comprehension of object permanence. Help your baby understand that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. Begin by sitting in front of your baby and hiding a toy they enjoy behind your back. Ask your baby where the t
Finding Hidden Toys
This helps reinforce your baby’s comprehension of object permanence. Showing your baby that a toy is still there even when covered reinforces object permanence. Place a toy in front of your baby and, while they are watching, put it inside a box and cover the box with a
Taking Objects Out
This helps stimulate your baby’s fine motor skills by taking objects out of containers. Helping your baby take toys out of containers stimulates their manual dexterity. Place an attractive toy inside a container in front of your baby. Ask your baby to take it out of the container and hel
Finding the Sound
This helps reinforce your baby's ability to locate a specific sound. Helping your baby identify and locate sounds enhances their auditory perception. Play a bell somewhere in the room and ask your baby, “Where is the bell?” Repeat this process a few times and observe h
Find the Sound Source
This helps learn to associate sounds with objects. Make the telephone ring when your baby is close by so that she can find the source of the sound and realize that the phone is ringing. When your baby turns to look at the telephone, show her how to ho
Pick and Place
This helps encourage your baby to store and retrieve her toys. Support your baby’s fine motor skills and cognitive development with this toy activity. Take a box and place a few of your baby’s toys inside it. Encourage your baby to pick them up and take them out,
Toys in a Drawer
This helps learn to open and close drawers. Explore opening drawers to strengthen motor coordination. Set up a small, easy-to-open drawer within your child’s reach. Place toys inside for them to remove and return. Supervise closely to avoid pin
Peekaboo Time
Strengthen your bond with your baby through play. Playing hide and seek reinforces object permanence and encourages your baby to respond to their name. Hide nearby and call out to your baby. Once they find you, say “boo!” and repeat from the same spo
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.
Standardised assessment view
1 instrument measure this construct. The construct page shows how each one approaches it and at what age range.
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