Description

With an adult, your child carefully takes apart a broken everyday object that a grown-up has already cleared as safe, looks at how the pieces fit, and works out how it used to work.

What to prep

• broken_object
• screwdriver
• tray

Play guide

1. 1An adult chooses and pre-clears one safe broken object, then removes any batteries, cords, glass, springs, or sharp metal before the child touches it.
2. 2Set up at a table with the cleared object, the right screwdriver, and a tray or bowl to keep every small piece together.
3. 3The adult stays beside the child throughout; your child undoes the fasteners one at a time and lays each part out in the order it came off.
4. 4As they go, ask what each part might do and how it connects to the next one.
5. 5When it is apart, have your child explain the path from one part to the next, then help gather every piece back into the tray so nothing is left loose.