Her First Treasure Hunt

This morning, as I was hunting for my shoes, I began to question their whereabouts out loud to nobody in particular.  The little dear, however, upon hearing my wondering expression, set about on a search for my shoes.

She found them both in record time (probably because she had hidden them herself).  What I found exciting about this little incident, however, is that she understood what it means to search for a specific thing- an understanding she previously has not demonstrated (perhaps as a way to get out of helping me?). 

But you know what this means: Time for treasure hunts!  I’m miserable at playing “pretend,” but my Treasure Hunting skills are going to knock the socks off my almost 2 year old. 

We decided to make her first organized treasure hunt educational, by “hiding” the letters of her name.  We placed the letters around the room in plain sight.

On the piano bench, the couch, the coffee table, even the floor.  (I know- we like to make things difficult).

We then let her loose with the instruction: “Find the letters!”  Before we had even finished the oh-so-lengthy instruction, she had gathered all the letters together.  Note to self: do next treasure hunt in a bigger area to use up more time.

We then helped her arrange the letters to spell her name.  Every letter is “A,” according to Lydia.

Now it’s time for Easter egg hunts!  Fortunately, we haven’t taught her the order of holidays yet, and she’ll have no idea she’s doing springtime activities as fall holidays approach!