Why Copy My Hand Shape works

Begin with one clear example of hands. The interesting part starts when such changes and the child must decide whether the earlier rule still works.

Set up — Sit face to face with hands visible

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to sit face to face with hands visible. Use the result of having the child sit face to face with hands visible as the setup for the move into make one simple hand shape such as open palm, fist, one pointing finger or two hands touching fingertips. Let comfort come first; the child may keep eyes open, move position, or stop while that starting condition is being established.

Step 2 — Make one simple hand shape such as open palm, fist, one pointing…

Give the child time to make one simple hand shape such as open palm, fist, one pointing finger or two hands touching fingertips and notice the result. The following instruction to hold the shape for a few seconds and let the child copy should use what they learned after previously trying to sit face to face with hands visible.

Step 3 — Hold the shape for a few seconds and let the child copy

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to hold the shape for a few seconds and let the child copy. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to change only one feature at a time, then let the child create a shape for the adult.

Step 4 — Change only one feature at a time, then let the child create…

After the child tries to change only one feature at a time, then let the child create a shape for the adult, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to use comfortable finger positions only rather than explaining it for them.

Step 5 — Use comfortable finger positions only

Have the child use comfortable finger positions only before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to use comfortable finger positions only, especially compared with the earlier request to change only one feature at a time, then let the child create a shape for the adult.

What to notice before Use comfortable finger positions only

Keep adult commentary light while the child works toward change only one feature at a time, then let the child create a shape for the adult. Their own response should show whether the child notices a detail without being pushed to stay still or perform before the activity finishes with the request to use comfortable finger positions only.

Make Hold the shape for a few seconds… easier or harder

For younger or less confident players, shorten the round and use one obvious thing to notice before the step to hold the shape for a few seconds and let the child copy. If the child asks for more, add a second comparison, a memory check, or a child-led choice and then return to the final request to use comfortable finger positions only.

Finish after Use comfortable finger positions only

Stop after one successful comparison between hands and such. The round does not need an extra finale once the relationship is clear. Find something different in the activity search or activity generator.