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A toddler sitting across from a grown-up points toward one of two upside-down cups hiding a small toy.
LiteracyAutism supportDevelopmental supportFollow One StepIndoor

Pointed Prize Cup.

Hide 1 tiny prize under a cup, point to the right spot, and let your child lift to find it in a fast shared-attention loop.

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

The recipe.

Low parent effort
2 things

What you need

  • 2 light cups that are not see-through
  • 1 small favorite toy or treat that fits fully under a cup
5 min minimum

Setup

Then start the loop
Step 01
Sit across from your child at the floor or a low table and place 2 upside-down cups with a small gap between them.
Step 02
Put the prize in front of the cups where your child can see it clearly.
Step 03
Hide the prize under 1 cup while your child watches and keep your finger close to the correct cup for the first round.
"Watch this cup."
The loop

How play unfolds.

Four panels showing a toy in front of two cups, the grown-up hiding it, a clear point to one cup, and the toddler lifting the cup to find the toy.
  1. 01
    Hide the prize under 1 cup and say, "Get that one," while you point to the correct cup.
  2. 02
    Let your child look, lift the pointed cup, and find the prize.
  3. 03
    Put the prize back in front, hide it again, and repeat.

Safety Check

  • Stay close if your child still mouths small toys or treats.
  • Use light, non-breakable cups.
  • Skip edible prizes if food excitement makes the game harder to keep calm.
Supporting the play

What to say in the moment

Match what you say to what you see.

Prompt ladder
Level 1 (Start)
"Get that one."
Level 2 (Keep going)
"This cup."
Level 3 (Stretch)
"Where's the prize?"
Level 4 (Extend)
"Your turn to hide."
If your child seems...
What you'd see
Focused
What to do
Say
"You found it."
Add
Wait one extra beat before pointing so your child looks at both cups first.
Extend
Let your child put the prize back in front before the next hide.

Make it easier

Younger end
  • -Use a favorite toy instead of a treat so the reward stays visible and simple.
  • -Keep the same cup correct for the first few rounds.
  • -Accept a touch on the right cup before expecting a full lift.

Make it harder

Older end
  • +Point from a little farther away after a few easy wins.
  • +Pause a second longer before your child chooses.
  • +Let your child lift only after looking at your point first.

If it's not working

If you see
If child ignores it
Use a very favorite prize and touch the correct cup with your finger for the next round.
If you see
If child misuses it
Keep one hand lightly on the extra cup so the choice stays clear and slow the round down.
If you see
If child gets frustrated
Let your child lift the right cup right away and keep the next round just as easy.
Skill spotlight
Follow One Step

following a grown-up's point to find the right hidden prize

This helps a child notice another person's cue, act on a short shared goal, and stay with a simple back-and-forth routine that matters in everyday communication and play.

  • •Early. Your child may look after your point but still need you to touch the correct cup before lifting.
  • •Later. Your child checks your point quickly, chooses the right cup, and stays with the full hide-and-find round.
  • •Middle. Your child starts following a close point and lifts the right cup on some turns without extra help.
Real-world transfer
  • Noticing where a grown-up is directing attention
  • Following a simple shared cue during routines or play
  • Staying with short turn-based games that use watching and acting together
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