Supporting cognitive development through hide-and-find materials
Core Idea: Activities that involve objects disappearing and reappearing help babies develop object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not visible.
Key Elements
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Developmentally Appropriate Materials
- Object permanence box: dropping ball through hole and retrieving it
- Containers with lids: hiding and finding objects
- Pegs in holes: insertion and retrieval activities
- Straws in bottles: placing objects into containers
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Progressive Challenges
- Begin with larger holes and objects for younger babies
- Gradually decrease size of openings as coordination improves
- Eventually progress to coin-sized objects in narrow slots
- Match difficulty to current developmental capabilities
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Drawer Activities
- Support gross and fine motor development simultaneously
- Encourage two-handed coordination (different actions with each hand)
- Example: one hand pulls drawer while other retrieves object
- Can be commercial materials or repurposed household drawers
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Cognitive Benefits
- Develops understanding that objects exist when out of sight
- Builds cause-and-effect understanding
- Supports problem-solving skills
- Encourages persistence and concentration
Connections
- Related Concepts: Fine Motor Skills and Intelligence (developmental connection), Intuitive Learning Materials (self-directed exploration)
- Broader Context: Montessori Sensitive Periods (cognitive development windows)
- Applications: Creating a Baby Play Space (implementing appropriate activities)
References
- Davies, S. (2021). The Montessori Baby.
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