Toy in the Box

What you need

• scattered toys on the floor
• a toy box or basket

How to do it

1. At tidy-up time, pick one toy they're near and say their name.
2. Say: 'pick up the car and put it in the box'.
3. Pause, and let them do it without you reaching for anything.
4. Say what they did, 'car in the box', and give the next one.

Why it matters

Pick it up and put it away are two steps about the same thing, which is the version of a two-part instruction toddlers manage first.

What they're learning

Holding two things in mind

Pick it up, then where it goes: two pieces of one job.

Listening for the name

Picking out which toy you meant from several on the floor is real listening.

Finishing the job

The toy landing in the box is a clear end to each instruction.

What to look for

Watch for them going for the right toy when there are several to choose from.

A tip

Name a toy rather than saying 'that one'. 'That one' plus a point is easier, but it means they're following your finger rather than your words.

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