Unwrap Teddy

What you need

• a favourite soft toy
• a sheet of wrapping paper
• a little sticky tape

How to do it

1. Wrap the soft toy loosely in the paper while your toddler watches, using just one small piece of tape.
2. Hand them the parcel and ask, "Who's inside?"
3. Let them pull and tear the paper off until the toy pops out, then give it a big hello.
4. Wrap the toy again together, and let your toddler hand the parcel to you to open this time.

Why it matters

A favourite toy hidden in paper is a surprise they can make happen with their own hands, and handing the parcel over to you is their first go at giving.

What they're learning

Pulling and tearing

Getting fingers under a loose edge and pulling builds the grip and strength they use for turning pages and taking off socks.

Still there

Knowing teddy is inside the paper even when they cannot see it is one of the big ideas of this age.

Giving

Handing the parcel to you and watching you open it is their first taste of giving something.

What to look for

Watch for them pulling at a loose corner instead of patting the whole parcel. Stay close, nothing in mouths.

A tip

Wrap loosely so a good tug opens it, and gather up the torn paper as soon as you finish.

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