Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Quiet play · The activity desk
Three bears' cup picnic
Arrange three different-size cups for a Goldilocks-inspired pretend picnic.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
Three clean unbreakable cups in different sizes and three large stuffed animals
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Set the empty cups and animals on the floor or a low table.
Adult's role: Help compare sizes and join the story without correcting the child's choices.
Let's make it happen
- Line the cups up from smallest to largest, or arrange them any way you like.
- Give each stuffed animal an empty cup for a pretend picnic.
- Tell a story about a visitor who asks before joining the picnic.
Make it simpler: Compare two cups and choose one for a favorite toy.
Clean up: Return the cups and toys to their places.
Use empty, unbreakable cups and large toys without loose small parts.