Peekaboo and Social Games
To develop social awareness and understanding of object permanence through joyful interactions.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Anticipates game patterns
- Shows delight in social games
- Initiates games with adults
- Understands object permanence
Materials
- Lightweight cloths or scarves
- Pop-up toys
- Mirrors
- Hiding containers
Instructions
INITIATING PEEKABOO: Cover your face with your hands or a light scarf. Say 'Where's [your name]?' Pause for 1-2 seconds (building anticipation), then reveal: 'PEEKABOO!' with a delighted expression. Babies find the reappearance hilarious and comforting.
READING BABY'S RESPONSES: Watch for signs of enjoyment—smiles, kicks, excited sounds, stilling to watch. If the baby looks away or fusses, they may be overstimulated. Pause and let them reset, or try a calmer version.
LETTING BABY LEAD: Once peekaboo is familiar, pause after covering your face. Some babies will reach to pull the cloth away. Others might cover THEIR face for YOU to find. Let them initiate and direct the game.
VARYING THE GAME: Peekaboo can be played many ways: hide behind furniture, hide a toy under a blanket, pop up from behind a cot. 'Where's the teddy? There he is!' Variation keeps it interesting and extends learning.
BUILDING ANTICIPATION: The pause before 'boo' is powerful. Extend it slightly as babies become familiar with the game. Watch their body—they may squirm with anticipation. This teaches them that good things are worth waiting for.
LINKING TO SEPARATION: Peekaboo teaches object permanence—things (and people) still exist when you can't see them. This understanding helps with separation anxiety. 'Mummy goes away... but Mummy always comes back!'
PLAYING WITH OTHER SOCIAL GAMES: Introduce games like 'Round and Round the Garden', 'This Little Piggy', and 'Pat-a-Cake'. These involve turn-taking, anticipation, and physical contact—all building social connection.
MIRRORING PLAY: Use mirrors to play peekaboo with reflections. 'Where's baby? There's baby!' Point to baby in the mirror, then to real baby. This develops self-recognition and understanding of self.