Unwrapping Activity
How much fun is it to unwrap something and reveal a surprise? This is an easy game that supports fine-motor skills, develops coordination and supports baby’s natural curiosity. Wrapping and unwrapping objects together will also support your relationship.
Why do it?
- This game exercises baby’s curiosity and fine motor skills, while strengthening the concept of ‘object permanence’.
- It’s also a time when whānau and baby can share attention, it’s fun — and might be practice for unwrapping first birthday presents!
How to do it
- Gather some paper or cloths for wrapping.
- Find some items to wrap.
- Let baby watch as you loosely wrap the object.
- Give the parcel to baby and invite them to unwrap it.
- They may need some help or encouraging words to get started. “Ooo what have you got there?”
- Repeat the game with different wrappings and different objects.
- Give baby a clap when they succeed.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pārekareka | Enjoyable, fun |
| Māhirahira | Curious |
| Rapu | Hunt, investigate |
| Whakaoti rapanga | Problem solving |
| Kite(a) | Find, discover |
| Aro | Notice, pay attention to |
| Tapanga | Naming, label |
| Tauparapara | To play together |
| Pūheratia | To parcel up |
| Tākai | Wrap |
| Pepa | Paper |
| Hurahia | Uncover |
| Papanga | Material, fabric |
| Kimihia | Look for, search |
| Whakahahakitia | Point out, draw attention to |
| He aha tēnā I te taha ia koe? | What’s that by you? |
| He aha ki roto? | What's in there? |
| Pakipaki | Clap |
| Whāngai kupu | Prompting |
| Umere(tia) | Applaud, cheer |
| Ka pai koe | Well done you |
| Me mahi pēnei | Do it like this |
| Anō | Do it again |
| Kātahi te pēpi mōhio, ko koe | What a clever baby you are |
| E reretahi ana te karu mē te ringa | The eye and the hand are coordinated |
| Mā te whakaharatau e tika ai | Practice makes perfect |
