Game Time: Which one is Missing?

Game Instructions

• Look at each toy with your child.  Ask your child questions like:
  • What color is this toy?
  • What shape is this toy?
  • What do you use this toy for?
  • What makes this toy special to you?
  • Include more questions as you see fit based on what the toys are*
• Ask your child to close their eyes and count to five.
  • While their eyes are closed remove one toy from the table and hid it using the material you chose.
• Ask your child to open their eyes and look at the remaining toys. Say: “Which one is missing?”
• If they need support, give them a clue based on the questions you asked at the beginning of the game. (Example: it was a red circle shape)
• Continue to provide support as needed until they can guess.
• Continue playing removing different items each time and using clues.
• You can reverse roles and allow your child to remove an item while the parent will need to guess which one is missing.

Game extension:

• If your child finds this too easy add more items to the group.  You can include household items such as remote controls, cup, marker, spoon, etc.
  • Be sure if you add additional materials to the group that the initial questions are being asked again about these items.  (This will support your child’s vocabulary as well as help them to remember more about each item in the game)