Early Atlas

Activity

Hide the Toy Under the Cup

A baby or toddler watches a small toy disappear under a cup or cloth and searches to find it again, discovering that hidden things still exist.

Ages 6–30 months

Inspired by Play-based learning Montessori object-permanence searching peekaboo

Supports this milestone

  • recognizes the stability of people and objects in the environment. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • A favorite small toy that is too large to swallow
  • 1 to 3 opaque cups or a soft cloth
  • A low table or the floor

Steps

  • Show the child the toy and let them touch it.
  • Slowly cover the toy with the cup while the child watches.
  • Pause and ask, "Where did it go?" then encourage the child to find it.
  • Celebrate warmly when the toy is uncovered.
  • Repeat, and over time hide the toy under one of two or three cups.

Variations

  • Hide the toy under a cloth instead of a cup for an easier first version.
  • Partly cover the toy so a curious infant can see an edge to grab.

Differentiation

  • For young infants, leave part of the toy showing.
  • For older toddlers, move the cups around after hiding, or hide it in a new place.

Accessibility

  • Use a toy that jingles so the child can locate it by sound.

Safety

  • Use cups and toys with no small detachable parts; supervise closely.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas