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Thinking play

What's Missing Tray

Child studies a small tray of objects, closes eyes while one is removed, and names what's gone, building working memory.

Cartoon illustration of a parent and child at home doing What's Missing Tray.
  • Age3 to 6 years
  • Time5 to 15 minutes
  • EnergyCalm
  • CostFree
  • WhereIndoors
  • Prep5 min

You set out a few familiar objects on a tray, your child looks at them, then closes their eyes while you take one away. They open their eyes and name what is missing. A short, playful memory game.

How to do it

  1. Put a small number of familiar objects on a tray (start with three or four for younger children, more for older).
  2. Name each object together and give your child a moment to look them over.
  3. Ask them to close their eyes or turn around. Quietly remove one object and hide it.
  4. Ask them to look again and tell you which one is gone.
  5. Show them the missing object, put it back, and play again with a different one.

What you need

  • Tray
  • Small objects

Make it yours

Younger, 3-4 years: Use just three objects and let them peek if they need to. Older, 5-6 years: Add more objects, remove two at once, or let them be the one who hides an object from you. Siblings: Take turns being the one who hides and the one who guesses.

Try this with your child.

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