This is lots of fun for many children and some enjoy the anticipation of being found. This can be done by hiding in different locations or a simple peek-a-boo game with a blanket. This can offer opportunities for requests for “come”, “come find me”, “peek-a-boo”, “blanket”, “hide” or “count” (mand 1-10M). This can also be incorporated into a play date with a sibling or peer (†SBSP 7-10m). This offers opportunities to generalise counting, receptive and labelling of locations (tact 11e, LR 8a) and prepositions (tact 12M, LR* 11d), for instance “look under the table”, or “let’s go the kitchen!”. When you or the hider are found you could say “You did it, where was I/were they?” and prompt the correct response if necessary. Some learners may need help to generate ideas of hiding spots, so you may have to tell them where to hide and fully prompt this. Or you could give a choice, “You could hide behind the door, or under the stairs?”. After you have played a few times, they may begin to learn a few hiding spots, or may even begin to find spots of their own!
Preceding skills reference to the VB-MAPP Assessment tool:
Sundberg, M. L. (2008) Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program: The VB-MAPP. Concord, CA: AVB Press.
†SBSP: Social Behavior and Social Play. *LR: Listener Responding.
Busy Analytical Bee 