Sneak a Peak

By C.J. Cintas, Cattails teacher

“Sneak a peek” is a game that can be played inside or out. It involves 4-5 items that are small enough to fit under a handkerchief. It is a useful way to extend your child’s pattern recognition, imagination, and to introduce them to just about anything. 
 
1. First, decide what you want to hide. 
I like to use this game to introduce children to plants. In particular, useful plants that begin to show up in the Spring. So, I might pick 4 or 5 plant leaves or flowers that I want to hide but it could be done with anything. 
  
2. Hide your items underneath the handkerchief or cloth and tell your child you have something to show them. 
Make sure you are enticing. It’s exciting to have a surprise hiding under something. I often tell them they will need to find a matching leaf to find out what it is. 

3. Show your child the item and set them on their finding adventure. 
I like to point out details such as shape, size, and color as the child looks at the items.  How many items are there?

4. Allow your child time to find the items on their own and bring them back to match with yours.
It’s important to let your child find the items on their own to strengthen their will and build their self confidence. 
 
5. Continue the game as many times as you’d like. 
You can increase the number of items or arrange them in a specific pattern under the handkerchief. You can limit the amount of time your child has to peek and so on. 
Most importantly, have fun!