Receptive language, Expressive language
A young infant participates in a repetitive, simple Peekaboo game with a caregiver.
None
[Place the infant on his/her back in a comfortable reclining position. Ensure the infant can clearly see you. Smile and encourage the infant to make eye contact with you.]
Would you like to play a game with me? Our game is called Peekaboo! I think you will like this game.
[Pause and watch for the infant’s response.
The young infant may show interest in the activity by smiling, kicking his/her legs, reaching, vocalizing, or making eye contact. Describe the infant’s response. Example: “You are looking at me. You are smiling! I think you are ready for our game.”]
I am going to cover my face, like this.
[Place your hands loosely over your eyes, ensuring the majority of your face is showing.]
Where am I? Do you see me?
[With enthusiasm, remove your hands to reveal the rest of your face.]
Peekaboo! Here I am!
[Describe the infant’s reaction to the game, including any gestures or vocalizations. Example: “You are smiling and cooing! You watched me hide my face. Then you smiled and kicked your legs when I said ‘peekaboo!’”]
Would you like to play the game again?
[The infant may want to repeat the game several times. Use the following strategies to repeat steps of the game:
Transition out of the activity when the infant begins to show signs of disinterest.]
[Describe what happened during the game. Example: “We played a Peekaboo game. You watched me hide my face. You giggled when I said ‘peekaboo!’ You wanted to play over and over again. This was a fun game to play together!”]
Receptive language, Expressive language
An older infant participates with a caregiver in a repetitive Peekaboo game using a scarf.
Eyes, Nose, Toes Peekaboo! by DK Publishing
This activity is for an infant who sits with support or independently. Position the infant across from you in a secure position. Introduce the scarf and explain the Peekaboo game. Example: “We are going to play the Peekaboo game! I am going to put the scarf on my head. Then I will take the scarf off! You can watch me!” Place the scarf over your head and with anticipation say “Where am I? Where did I go?” Pull the scarf off with enthusiasm and say “Peekaboo! Here I am!” Describe the infant’s reactions to the game. Example: “You watched me cover my head. You kicked your legs before I said ‘peekaboo!’ Now you are smiling!” Repeat your words and actions unless the infant shows distress or a lack of interest in the game.
Invite the infant to cover his/her head with the scarf to play Peekaboo with you. Example: “Now it is your turn! May I put the scarf over you? (Gently place the scarf over infant’s head.) Where is Riley? Where did Riley go?” With enthusiasm, remove the scarf. Example: “Peekaboo! Here is Riley!” Describe the infant’s reactions. Example: “You were quiet when you were under the scarf. Then you laughed and waved your arms when I said ‘peekaboo!’ You are having fun with this game!”
The infant may want to play the game several more times. Each time, ask the infant who should be under the scarf. Example: “You are kicking your legs and smiling. You want to play again! Where do you want the scarf to go? Should I put the scarf on you?” Move the scarf in the direction of the two possibilities (your face, the infant’s face) as you describe each. When you repeat the game, offer the same phrases and describe the infant’s reaction.
Show anticipation and excitement during each round of the game. Invite the infant to help you say a version of the word “peekaboo.” Consistently describe the infant’s actions and responses during the activity. Example: “Where is Zander? I hear giggles, but I don’t see him! The scarf is moving . . . peekaboo, Zander! There you are!”
Watch the infant’s reactions to determine when to end the activity. Conclude by recognizing the infant’s participation. Example: “You played the Peekaboo game with me! First I hid under the scarf and said ‘peekaboo!’ Then you hid under the scarf! You laughed and waved your arms when I took the scarf off! We had fun playing this game together.”
Each of these options encourage a responsive and interactive game experience with infants. Many infants are familiar with the Peekaboo game and will delight in sharing the game with a trusted caregiver. A book about Peekaboo is shared in Block 5. Many infants will want to repeat the game over and over. While this game may appear boring to adults, the repetitive pattern of words and actions supports the infant’s growth and development in many areas, such as object permanence, motor skill development, social interactions, and recognition of patterns. Repeating the key words of the game actively supports vocabulary awareness.
Infants will show interest in the game by showing signs of anticipation and surprise, such as smiling, giggling, watching, waving their arms, or kicking their legs. In Option 2, some infants may reach for or grasp the scarf. Infants may also express interest in the game by vocalizing, including cooing, babbling, and later saying a version of “peekaboo.” Young infants may be more comfortable watching you cover and then reveal your face. Older infants may delight in covering and then revealing themselves over and over.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: several sheer or thin scarves
Sheer scarves are a wonderful prop for infants to play Peekaboo. Most infants are familiar with and enjoy playing Peekaboo. Provide the scarves during floor time for the infants to explore. Provide a clear clue for playing Peekaboo with the scarves, such as placing one over your head or over a favorite toy. Invite an infant to grasp the scarf to remove it, or to watch you reveal a covered toy. Provide anticipation, enthusiasm, and then excitement when the scarf is removed. Infants may enjoy these games being repeated several times.
Materials Needed: several sheer or thin scarves
Peekaboo is a favorite game of many children. Options 1 and 2 can be easily adapted for toddlers and young preschool-age children. In small groups, invite one child at a time to use the scarf to play Peekaboo. While the child hides under the scarf, sing a short peekaboo song. (Tune: “Where Has My Little Dog Gone”)
Invite children to say “peekaboo” together when the child removes the scarf. Ensure each child has a turn to hide under the scarf. Infants who are comfortable being under the scarf can participate also.
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