Discovery Play Activities with Your Young Child: Peek-a-Boo

Discovery Play Activities with Your Young Child: Peek-a-Boo

STEM

Technology

Cross-cutting Concepts

Levels of Thinking

Resources are categorized by whether they target foundational levels of thinking or levels of thinking that extend past foundational levels (expanding).

Suggested AdaptationS

Check out our guide to adaptations. Adapt for environment, materials, instruction.

General Guide to Adaptations

Description

Playing peek-a-boo supports concepts like object permanence and predicting patterns, as well as social exchanges and social-emotional development.

Environment

  • If possible, limit background noise & distractions
  • Ensure the room is well-lit; if seated, use pillows to help position
  • Keep your voice at a level that is comfortable for your child
  • If you’re using materials like blankets or towels, put them within view and reach

Materials

  • Have child’s assistive technology ready and available, including augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) device
  • Consider using a Velcro strap to help remove the blanket or clothes
  • If using blankets/towels, make sure they are large enough for your child to reach and pull off

Instruction

  • Use a variety of methods of communication (e.g., sign language, gestures) to meaningfully engage children
  • Model and demonstrate how to play peek-a-boo
  • Use hand-over-hand or hand-under-hand to help your child to playpeek-a-boo
  • Allow longer waiting time for child to respond and/or process this activity
  • For children with blind/visual impairments, blow air on their face after removing the blanket
  • Break the activity down into individual steps to help your child learn the routine

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STEM Ideas/Words

STEMIE Learning Trajectories