Hunting for My Gelt

[20 Minutes]

Hide and seek is an all-time favorite for children. This hiding game includes an added sense of excitement when the hidden treasure is "gelt".

You'll need:

• cardboard • round lid for tracing around • scissors • aluminum foil • tape • yarn • pencil or markers

What to do:

1. Help your child trace and cut out several 3" to 4" circles from cardboard.
2. Give your child a small sheet of aluminum foil and help her cover one side of the cardboard circle with foil, securing it with tape, to make the "gelt."
3. Write the name of a gift on the other side of the cardboard. (You can also draw a picture if you like.) The gift could be as simple as a hug, a special treat for snack, time together to take a walk or do a project.
4. Then tape a long piece of yarn (10' to 12') to the "gelt."
5. Without your child looking, hide the "gelt" and then trail the yarn through the house to a starting point.
6. Invite your child to follow the yarn trail to find the gelt. Help her read what gift she has received.
7. Ask her if she'd like to hide the gelt for you. Take turns hiding the pieces of gelt as long as your child's interest continues.

How to use:

1. You could also write clues on the back of the gelt.
2. Write down a location, read this together.
3. When your child follows the direction, she will find the gift.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Where are some good hiding places in our home? What hiding places can you fit in?
• Have you ever been surprised? What happened to make you surprised?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscle skills and pre-reading skills.