Lift the flap – you did it! Let’s clap!

What you need 

• Simple, sturdy lift-the-flap books 

What to do 

• Read a lift-the-flap story with your toddler.  
• Show them how the flaps can be lifted to show a picture underneath. Talk about the picture, describing what your toddler can see.  
• When you reach a flap, build up the anticipation by asking your toddler, “What will we see under here?” and then count down to opening the flap, something like, “3...2...1...go!” as you or they lift it. 
• Encourage them to lift the flap themselves and give them a countdown too – at first, they might be more interested in the flaps than the story and that’s ok. Let your toddler lift them and simply chat about the pictures, or enjoy shouting “GO!” if that’s their preference.  

Good to know 

Lift-the-flap books are often very engaging for toddlers. The anticipation a flap creates adds to the enjoyment of a story. If you don’t own any, take a trip to the local library or charity shop to see if you can find some. 

Your toddler might be a bit rough with the flaps at first as they don’t really understand that they might rip or come off completely, and they are still learning to control the amount of force they use.