Here's What To Do
1
Move your face or a favorite toy behind a cover (like: your hands, a blanket, a box).
2
Uncover your face or the toy after a few seconds so I can see, touch or play with it again. Watch to see if I keep looking at the place where your face or the toy disappeared.
3
Repeat with different objects.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Smile at me and give me a kiss.
E
Engage:
- "Here's the ball! (move behind cover) Where is it? Where did the ball go?"
- "Here I am, I came back? Where do you think I went? Was I behind my hands?"
E
Encourage:
- Try hiding something that makes a sound to give me an extra clue that the object is still there, even if I can't see it.
- It may take several tries for me to get the hang of this game. If I don't get it today, try again in a week or two.
R
Reflect:
- Do you think I understand that the object is still there, even if I can't see it?
Not quite ready?
Keep practicing this game with me. Play peek-a-boo with me when you have a spare moment.
Ready for more?
While I'm watching, cover objects partially or completely. See if I still try to find them.
As your child masters this skill...
They will develop object permanence, and understand that hidden objects are still there under the cover.