Peek-a-Boo Story Telling
To develop object permanence and early narrative understanding through peek-a-boo stories.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Anticipates reveal in peek-a-boo
- Searches for hidden objects
- Shows delight at narrative games
- Initiates hiding games
Materials
- Pop-up books
- Fabric for covering
- Simple lift-the-flap books
- Cloth for peek-a-boo
Instructions
Use a simple cloth to hide your face: 'Where's [your name]? Where have I gone?' Build genuine suspense, then 'Peek-a-boo! Here I am!' Repeat, letting the baby pull the cloth away themselves as they develop the motor skill.
Use lift-the-flap books where hiding and revealing IS the story. Point to the flap: 'What's hiding under here? Let's see... a duck! Quack quack!' The narrative of hiding and finding maps directly onto early story understanding.
Play 'where is it?' games with toys. Place a toy under a cloth where the baby watches: 'Where did teddy go? He's hiding! Can you find him?' As object permanence develops, this becomes a joyful game of understanding.
Narrate the hiding and finding with simple language: 'Gone. All gone. Where is it? THERE it is! Found it!' This language of appearance and disappearance is among the earliest vocabulary babies acquire.
Include peek-a-boo moments in everyday routines: behind a towel during nappy changes, behind a cup at mealtimes, around a doorframe during free play. Keep the energy light and playful.
Watch for babies initiating the game themselves — pulling fabric over their own face and peeking. Celebrate this hugely: 'Are you hiding? Where's Mia? THERE she is! She found herself!'