I Spy
A player picks something in view and gives a non-colour clue about its shape, sound, use, or first letter for others to find.
- Age3 to 6 years
- Time5 to 15 minutes
- EnergyCalm
- CostFree
- WhereIndoors or out
- PrepNone
A looking-and-guessing game where one player secretly picks something in sight and gives a clue about it, and everyone else looks around to find it. Practises observing and describing what you see.
How to do it
- Look around the space and secretly pick something everyone can see.
- Give one clue about it that is not its colour, describing its shape, the sound it makes, what it is used for, or the sound its name starts with.
- Let the others look around and guess what you spotted.
- Whoever guesses it picks the next thing and gives the next clue.
- Keep taking turns, adding a second clue if a guess is taking a long time.
Signs it is working
Your child scans the room before guessing rather than blurting. They give a clue that actually points to their chosen object. They take turns choosing and guessing.
If it is not quite clicking
Your child gives a clue that gives it away instantly, or one that fits nothing in view: Help them find a clue that is a middle challenge. A pre-reader struggles with first-sound clues: Steer them toward shape, sound, or use clues instead. Guessers get stuck: Offer a second clue rather than letting frustration build.
Make it yours
Younger, 3 years: Use only what-it-is-used-for or sound clues, and keep to a small number of visible objects. Older, 5-6 years: Use first-sound or first-letter clues to stretch listening for beginning sounds. Group: Let the whole group guess freely, first correct guess picks next.
Try this with your child.
Tell PLAI™ about your child and this moment. It shapes the activity to fit.
Try it in the app