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A toddler walking across a simple room toward a favorite toy while a grown-up points to it from nearby.
LiteracyAutism supportDevelopmental supportFollow One StepIndoor

Point-and-Collect Toys.

Turn two or three favorite toys into a simple point-and-fetch game. Your toddler follows your point, gets the right toy, and brings it back while practicing one-step directions and shared attention.

Play time
5-10+ min
Age
1-3 years
Energy
Low To Medium
Mess
No
Effort
Low
Where
Indoor
Start here

The recipe.

Low parent effort
1 things

What you need

  • 2 to 3 favorite small toys or treats
5 min minimum

Setup

Then start the loop
Step 01
Place 2 or 3 favorite small toys in clear view around one room, spaced far enough apart that each point identifies one toy.
"That one."
The loop

How play unfolds.

Four panels showing two toys placed around a room, a grown-up pointing to one, a toddler carrying the chosen toy back, and the next pointing turn beginning.
  1. 01
    Point to one toy and say, "Get that one."
  2. 02
    Have your child follow your point, walk to the toy, pick it up, and bring it back to you.
  3. 03
    Point to a remaining toy and repeat until all the toys are collected.

Safety Check

  • Stay close if treats are part of the round.
  • Skip tiny, breakable, sharp, or rolling objects.
  • Keep the floor path clear so the return trip stays easy.
Skill spotlight
Follow One Step

following a grown-up's point to find and collect one object

This helps a child use another person's gesture as a meaningful cue, act on a short shared goal, and join simple back-and-forth routines that matter in everyday communication.

  • •The point gives your child one clear cue to act on instead of asking them to guess what matters in the room.
  • •The get-it-and-bring-it-back loop stays short, which makes it easier to repeat without a lot of language.
  • •You can simplify the game fast by dropping to one target and pointing from close range.
Real-world transfer
  • Following a grown-up's gesture during daily routines
  • Finding the right object when someone shows where to look
  • Joining shared-attention moments that support early communication
Supporting the play

What to say in the moment

Match what you say to what you see.

Prompt ladder
Level 1 (Start)
"Get it."
Level 2 (Keep going)
"This one."
Level 3 (Stretch)
"Bring it back."
Level 4 (Extend)
"Your turn to point."
If your child seems...
What you'd see
Focused
What to do
Say
"You got the right one."
Add
Pause before the next point so your child has a second to look around first.
Extend
Let your child drop the found object into a simple return spot before the next point.

Make it easier

Younger end
  • -Start with 1 target only.
  • -Keep the target close to the child.
  • -Use a very favorite object that is easy to spot.

Make it harder

Older end
  • +Put out 3 targets instead of 2.
  • +Point from a little farther away after a few easy wins.
  • +Wait a second longer before repeating the cue.

If it's not working

If you see
If child ignores it
Walk closer, point from a shorter distance, or put your finger right beside the target for one easy win.
If you see
If child misuses it
Put away the extra targets and use 1 item only until the get-and-bring-back loop is clear again.
If you see
If child gets frustrated
Point to a very near target, walk with your child to it, and help carry it back together.
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Keep playing

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