Hide It Under the Cloth
Each child has a light cloth and hides the body part the teacher names under it, then makes it "pop out" with a movement. A peekaboo surprise game little ones love. Kids locate body parts and control specific movements.
How to play
- Sitting in a circle, each child has a cloth. The teacher hides a hand under the cloth and asks: "Where's my hand?" Everyone: "There!" and it pops out wiggling (2 min).
- Cue: "Hide your feet!" Each child covers their feet; on "Peekaboo!" they uncover and wiggle them fast (3 min, several parts).
- Standing and spread out: hide the head, tummy, one arm, back. On "Peekaboo!" the part dances a little (3 min).
- In pairs: one hides a part under the cloth and the other guesses which by gently touching on top. Switch (3 min).
- Finish: everyone lies down fully covered and the teacher softly uncovers a foot, a hand, a face… (1 min).
Rules
- Never wrap the cloth tight around the neck or face.
- When guessing, touch gently and over the cloth.
- Take care of your cloth and never pull someone else's.
- When your head is covered, stay still.
Variations
Easier
Big parts only, always sitting, with the teacher showing hers.
Standard
Hide parts while standing and guess in pairs.
Harder
Hide two parts at once, or small parts like an elbow or ankle.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: hide parts from the wheelchair and the partner helps place the cloth.
- Low vision: very bright or textured cloths, plus a sound when uncovering.
- Different skill levels: little ones use big easy cloths; skilled kids use small scarves that need more precision.
Learning goals
- Locate body parts and cover them with an object.
- Enjoy the hide-and-reveal game.
- Control the movement of a specific part.
Equipment for a class of 25
- light fabric pieces: 22
Teacher tip
With 3-year-olds, surprise is everything: change your voice on "Peekaboo!" Keep cloths folded in a basket and hand them out in the circle.
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