Forest Treasure Hunt

1. 1

   On a pleasant day, take a small Rabbit, a basket, and three treasure pictures on a nature walk—for example, a leaf, flower, and stone.

2. 2

   Choose pictures with memorable features, such as a jagged-edged leaf, yellow flower, and round stone.

3. 3

   Pretend Rabbit lost the three treasures. Before each search, let your child study one picture and remember what to find.

4. 4

   Draw attention to the strongest clue, such as the shape of the leaf’s edge.

5. 5

   If the detail is forgotten during the search, ask, “What did the edge of that leaf look like?”

6. 6

   When your child finds a possible match, compare it with the picture and celebrate a successful find.

What to notice

• Remembers the features along the leaf’s edge and finds the matching leaf Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)
• Joins you in the small task after hearing your description Relationships with Adults

Tips

• Sometimes choose an object that is similar but not an exact match and invite your child to explain the difference.
• Join the search as an interested partner: notice discoveries, respond to ideas, and keep the mission moving together.
• Before each search, ask, “What kind of treasure are we looking for?” Saying the clue aloud can help your child keep it in mind.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Studying and remembering a treasure’s key features helps your child hold information in mind and use it to complete an outdoor search.
• Social/Emotional: Searching and comparing finds with you gives your child practice cooperating on a small shared mission.