Looking and finding
Hiding objects and encouraging tamariki to discover them, and then talk about what they have found is a fun way for whānau to support descriptive language development and mathematical skills (problem-solving, matching, grouping, counting).
Why do it?
- The ‘seeking’ component adds interest to the child’s everyday toys or objects.
- Looking and finding provides opportunities for toddlers’ language development, such as:
- using ‘parallel’ talk — parents describe what their toddler is doing
- adding vocabulary through parents naming and describing objects their toddler has found
- encouraging learning of a second language by parents using it to describe and name objects.
How to do it
- Gather a range of containers like cardboard boxes, a washing basket, an old handbag, a shoebox and a bucket, and fill each with an assortment of safe objects.
- Give one of the containers to your child and let them discover and explore the items inside.
- Describe what they’ve found and talk with them about the different objects.
- Objects could be grouped (for example, just soft toys or clothing items) or be a random mixture of safe household objects.
- You could also include another smaller container with contents — for example, a sock filled with clothes pegs.
- Save a variety of empty boxes and fit them inside each other. Or, put an object inside each box — your child can explore them one-by-one.
- If you don’t have any suitable boxes or containers, try filling a pillowcase, or cover a selection of objects with a towel and let them discover ‘what’s underneath?’
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pouaka | Box |
| Ipu | Container |
| Pākete | Bucket |
| Taupoki | Lid |
| Huakina | Open |
| Kati | Close |
| Me titiro | Have a look |
| Kei te kite ahau he... | I see a... |
| Tētahi mea | Something |
| Tōkena | Sock |
| Tāre | Doll |
| Mātiti | Peg |
| Pune | Spoon |
| Kei roto | In |
| Kei waho | Out |
| Kei raro | Under |
| Kei runga | On |
| Kimihia | Look for, search |
| Huakina te taupoki | Open the lid |
| He aha kei roto? | What's inside? |
| He aha tēnei? | What is this? |
| Kōrero mai | Talk to me |
| E kimi ana au mō he.... | I'm looking for... |
