The Tiger Is Coming—Hide!

1. 1

   Set up a forest-rescue game. Hide animal toys in different places, such as a rabbit behind a tree and a kitten under the slide. Dad is the tiger; Mom and your child are the rescue team.

2. 2

   Explain the mission: “The forest animals hid because the tiger scared them. Let’s rescue them, but be careful—the tiger is patrolling!”

3. 3

   Once the game begins, Mom quietly gives a location clue: “The rabbit is behind the big tree.” Let your child use the clue to begin the search.

4. 4

   They may run around and look in several places. If they head the wrong way, Mom can offer a brief direction: “Go a little farther forward.”

5. 5

   As your child approaches an animal, Dad continues moving as the tiger. Mom can describe the tiger’s position: “The tiger is behind you. Run toward the slide!” This helps your child notice where they are and change direction.

6. 6

   After every animal has been rescued, hide them in new places and begin another round.

What to notice

• Moves toward the location named in your clue Geometry and Spatial Sense
• Changes direction and runs away as the tiger approaches Gross Motor

Tips

• As your child becomes familiar with the game, the adult playing the tiger can move a little faster to make the chase more exciting.
• Use specific location words, such as “on top of the slide,” rather than a vague phrase such as “over there.”

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Using clues such as in front of, behind, and under to decide where to move helps your child understand their position in relation to the environment.
• Movement: Searching for animals and avoiding the tiger invites your child to watch nearby landmarks and adjust the direction of their movement.