Early Atlas

Activity

This Could Be Anything

A toddler explores a basket of open-ended objects and pretends each one is something else, such as a block becoming a phone or a scarf becoming a blanket.

Ages 15–36 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Play-based learning symbolic-play pretend representation

Supports this milestone

  • uses objects or symbols to represent something else. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

  • A basket of open-ended objects (wooden blocks, scarves, cardboard tubes, empty bowls, large pinecones)
  • A doll or stuffed animal as a play partner

Steps

  • Pick up an object and pretend with it, such as holding a block to your ear and saying "Hello?"
  • Invite the child to try, asking "What could this be?"
  • Follow the child's idea and play along, even if it differs from yours.
  • Offer the doll a turn, such as "Should we give teddy some soup?" with an empty bowl.
  • Keep the play open, letting one object become many things.

Variations

  • Use a scarf and explore the many things it can become, such as a blanket, a cape, or water.
  • Set up a pretend snack where blocks or pinecones become food.

Differentiation

  • For younger toddlers, model one clear substitution and let them copy it.
  • For older toddlers, invite a short pretend story using two or three objects.

Accessibility

  • Choose objects with rich textures and sounds so symbolic play does not rely on sight.

Safety

  • Use objects too large to swallow with no sharp edges; supervise pretend eating.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas