Hiding and finding Activity
A fun way to teach baby about object permanence.
Why do it?
- Experiences with hiding and finding things help baby to develop and strengthen their understanding of ‘object permanence’.
- Activities with whānau strengthen their relationship with baby and help build baby’s language.
How to do it
You’ll need:
- objects to hide — start with baby’s favourite toy
- covers for hiding things under, such as containers (both transparent and opaque), and a cloth or small blanket.
Some tricks:
- Let baby watch as you hide their soft toy under the cover. Ask baby, ‘Where’s Teddy?’ If necessary, partly reveal Teddy and ask again.
- Encourage baby to move the covering to find Teddy and show your excitement when they do.
- Try hiding Teddy in other places and ask the question again.
- Repeat the game with a different objects.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Ngā taonga tākaro | Toys or playthings |
| Piringa | Shelter, hiding place |
| Uhi | Covering |
| Pūataata | Transparent, clear |
| Ipu | Container |
| Mātaki | Watch, observe |
| Kimihia | Look for, search |
| Rapu | Hunt, investigate |
| Kite(a) | Find, discover |
| Huna | Hide |
| Teti pea | Teddy bear |
| Kei hea a Teti? | Where's Teddy? |
| Pōro, paoro | Ball |
| Kei hea te paoro? | Where's the ball? |
| Pukapuka | Book |
| Kei hea ngā pukapuka? | Where are the books? |
| Kino kē koe e te tau! | You're awesome my darling! |
| Kātahi te tama mōhio, ko koe | What a clever boy you are |
| He aha kei raro i te pouaka? | What's under the box? |
| He hū tēnei | This is a shoe |
