This activity has been revised and was originally created by Charlotte Cushman and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This activity, which reinforces positional concepts, teaches students to follow directions and identify objects. Lessons include Concept Development, English Language Arts, and Social Skills.
Any small object that can be hidden
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Hide a small object in the classroom.
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Give the student verbal directions to follow in order to find the object.
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Vary the complexity of the clues depending on the cognitive level of the student. Provide information about where the hidden object is in relation to other familiar objects, using positional concepts. For example:
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“It is under something that you sit on.”
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“It is behind the place where you hang your coat.”
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“It is near something that is big and round.”
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“It is in front of the door.”
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After the student finds the object, have her identify it and demonstrate its use.
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Have groups of students take turns hiding objects and giving each other directions.
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Have students follow written directions or picture cards.
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Try this activity outside or in an unfamiliar area.
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Small edible treats can be hidden instead of objects.
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Hide a sound-producing item, such as a bell, to give students additional auditory cues about where the object is hidden.
Hint: Throughout the day, give students directions to follow – “Can you find your radio? It is above the musical instrument shelf.”