The Tub They Can't Open

What you need

• a clear plastic tub with a lid
• a favourite toy, too big to fit through a toilet roll tube

How to do it

1. Put a toy they like inside a clear plastic tub and put the lid on while they watch. Anything that fits through a toilet roll tube is too small.
2. Hand them the tub and let them try to open it.
3. When they bring it back or point at it, say 'open?' and open it straight away.
4. Do it again. The second and third goes are where the asking gets clearer.

Why it matters

They can see exactly what they want and can't get to it on their own, so the quickest way through is you. That's precisely the moment a point is for.

What they're learning

Asking for help

Handing you a problem is one of the first ways a toddler asks for anything, and it counts.

Twisting and pulling

Their own attempt first is good hand work, whether or not it comes off.

Asking with a gesture

A tub pushed towards you with a look is a request, as much as a pointed finger is.

What to look for

Watch for them trying it themselves before they bring it to you. That's them working out what they can't do yet.

A tip

Pick a tub with a lid they can't pull off yet, and keep it for the times you're sitting with them.

More like this

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