Early Atlas

Activity

Mystery Bag - What's That?

Children pull surprises from a bag, prompting them to ask "What's that?" and seek the names of new things.

Ages 12–36 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Montessori questions inquiry vocabulary toddler

Supports this milestone

  • initiates non-verbal communication and language to learn and gain information. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • A cloth bag or pillowcase
  • Four or five interesting, safe objects, some familiar and some new

Steps

  • Shake the bag and wonder aloud, "What could be in here?"
  • Reach in, pause, and let a child pull out an object.
  • Wait expectantly so the child can ask "What's that?" with a point, sound, sign, or word.
  • Answer their question, name the object, and talk about it together.
  • Pass the bag so each child gets a turn to wonder and ask.

Variations

  • Use a feely bag where children guess by touch before pulling the object out.
  • Hide objects related to a theme, such as kitchen tools or animals.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, model the question, "What's that? It's a brush!"
  • For older toddlers, invite follow-up questions like "Why?" or "What does it do?"

Accessibility

  • Treat a point with a questioning look or an AAC question as asking.
  • Offer objects with rich textures and sounds for children with vision differences.

Safety

  • Use objects with no small parts or sharp edges; supervise closely.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas