Backpack Treasure Carry

What you need

• a small backpack
• a few chunky toys

How to do it

1. Pop two or three chunky toys or finds into the backpack together.
2. Help them put it on and go for a short walk, checking what's inside now and then.
3. At the end, tip everything out and talk about what you found.

Why it matters

Carrying their own small load and checking on it builds a real sense of responsibility, the same feeling behind packing their own school bag one day.

What they're learning

carrying responsibility

Looking after their own bag on a walk is the first step toward packing and minding their own things later on.

object memory

Trying to recall what's zipped inside builds the working memory they'll lean on for following instructions at nursery.

steady walking

Managing their balance with weight on their back strengthens the core control behind running and climbing.

What to look for

Watch for them patting or peeking into the bag without being asked, checking their things are still there.

A tip

Keep the backpack light and let them choose what goes in. The choosing matters more than the contents.

More like this

Socks, Then Shoes from 22 months · 5 min Cheers! from 14 months · 5 min Sock Tunnel from 12 months · 5 min Fetch the Towel from 22 months · 5 min