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What's in the bag?

What's in the Bag is a really classic development activity that you can do with children of any age.

Playing this game with your baby when they're around 6 months old is a really fun way to develop their language skills.

You don't even need a bag. You could use pillowcase and fill it with household objects, toys, socks, vegetables - anything!

Why not watch the short video below for inspiration? And to find out why this game is so important?

Why is what's in the bag so great for language development?

  • This game develops sharing and turn-taking skills.
  • Engaging lots of your baby's senses helps them make links between the words they are hearing and the objects.
  • Talking about the toys your baby focusses on helps them pick up words quicker.
  • Building anticipation before pulling the toy out, encourages your child to listen and respond.
  • Putting new objects in the bag each time you play introduces new vocabulary.
A dad and his son sit on the floor in their living room and play What's in the Bag together. Dad has pulled out a teddy.
See what your baby is interested in and let them lead the activity.

How to play what's in the bag

Bring together some fun, safe objects for your child to play with. These could be toys or household objects, like kitchen spoons or a hairbrush.

Put these into a bag or pillow case that they can’t see into.

Now, get your child’s attention and ask them "what's in the bag">