Ask the Mystery Box

1. 1

   Hide a small toy in an opaque box and shake it so your baby hears that something is inside.

2. 2

   When they look, shake it again, make a curious face, and ask with rising intonation, “Hmm? What’s inside?” Open the box together: “A ball!”

3. 3

   Play several rounds with different toys, using the same rising “Hmm?” before each reveal.

4. 4

   Once the pattern is familiar, slow down after shaking and wait to see whether your baby tries a rising sound.

5. 5

   Answer any small “hmm?” or “ah?” as a question: “You want to know what’s inside. This time it’s a car!”

What to notice

• Uses a rising tone to make an inquiring sound such as “Hmm?” Communicating and Speaking
• Tries to open the box after hearing a sound inside Initiative and Curiosity

Tips

• Some babies may excitedly copy your rising ‘Hmm?’ after only a few demonstrations. If yours does, open the box and reveal the answer right away.
• In everyday interactions, model changes in intonation. Over time, your child may use a rising tone or a soft questioning sound to show curiosity and anticipation.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Hearing a rising question tone before each reveal and receiving an immediate answer helps your baby experiment with using “Hmm?” to ask for information.