A Describing Game for Preschoolers: Give Clues, Then Guess

A describing game for preschoolers invites a child to communicate about a familiar object without naming it immediately. The listener uses clues to make a guess. Start with a few visible, suitable materials so the game does not depend on remembering everything in the room.

Model a useful clue

Choose an age-appropriate object and describe a feature or use: "It has wheels, and we roll it on our block road." Let the child point or say a guess. Avoid clues so vague that any answer could fit.

Use materials that are safe to handle, and do not add blindfolds or hidden bags of small objects.

Invite the child to become the describer

• Offer a small group of familiar choices.
• Let the child choose an object privately with adult help.
• Ask for one clue about its appearance, action or use.
• Listen and explain what helped your guess.

The child can gesture as well as speak. Add a word naturally when it helps convey their meaning, rather than demanding a complete sentence before playing.

Compare clues when the guess differs

Ask which part of the clue could describe more than one object. Then offer another detail together. A mistaken guess can reveal where more information is needed without making either participant wrong at the game.

Do we need to use color words?

Color is one possible feature. Shape, movement and purpose can provide other useful clues, especially when several objects share a color.

What if my child names the object immediately?

Accept the answer and model another round. The game is a conversation invitation, not a rule-following test.

For more about the age-based classroom, explore the Children’s Land preschool program and find a Chicagoland location. Bring your child’s interests and questions to a conversation about current routines and learning experiences.

Related reading: Preschool and Early Language Development: Growing Little Communicators.