short term memory
An Everyday Therapy Activity for Your Toddler's Short-Term Memory
A simple hide-and-find cup game is one of the best everyday activities to build a toddler's short-term memory: hide a toy under a cup, ask your child to remember and find it, and repeat playfully for two to three minutes. Keep it short, joyful and frequent.
One small game, played at the kitchen table, quietly builds the very memory your toddler will lean on for years.
In short
A wonderful everyday activity for short-term memory in a toddler is the hide-and-find cup game: hide a small toy under one of two or three upturned cups, then ask your child to remember where it went and find it. It is playful, takes two minutes, and gently stretches your child's ability to hold information in mind. For 12–36 months, keep it short, joyful and repeat it often.How to play it
1. Sit facing your child with 2 (later 3) identical cups and a favourite small toy. 2. Let them watch you hide the toy under one cup. Say warmly, "Watch — where did it go?" 3. Pause a few seconds, then ask, "Where's the toy?" and let them lift the cup. 4. Celebrate every try. Slowly increase the wait time, add a third cup, or gently slide the cups around as they get stronger.Keep sessions to 2–3 minutes, follow your child's mood, and stop while it is still fun.
The science
Short-term memory is the brain's ability to hold a small piece of information "live" for a few seconds. In toddlers it grows through repetition, joyful attention and turn-taking. Hiding games build object permanence and working memory together — your child must keep a picture of the hidden toy in mind while waiting. Naming what you do ("under the red cup") links memory to language, strengthening both. Everyday play like this, done little and often, is exactly how early memory pathways are laid down. Learn more about short-term memory and how it develops.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — this home activity supports development but does not assess or diagnose. If you would like structured support, our occupational therapy team can guide memory-building play tailored to your child.Trusted sources
Guided by AAP and HealthyChildren.org guidance on play-based early learning, and WHO Nurturing Care principles for responsive, everyday interaction.Next step — try the cup game today, and message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 for more home activities matched to your child's age.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Notice whether your child can wait a few seconds before finding the toy, and whether this improves with practice over weeks. If your toddler shows little interest in finding hidden objects or struggles to follow simple one-step requests by around 18–24 months, mention it at a general developmental check.
Try this at home
Play the cup hide-and-find game for just 2–3 minutes after a meal — start with 2 cups, name the cup colour as you hide the toy, and slowly add a longer wait or a third cup as your child gets stronger.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 540 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
At what age can I start the cup memory game?
You can begin a simple version from around 12 months, using just two cups and a favourite toy. As your child grows towards 3 years, add a third cup or a longer waiting pause to gently stretch their memory.
How often should we play memory games?
Little and often works best — two or three minutes a day, several times a week. Short, joyful repetition builds memory far better than one long session, so always stop while it is still fun.
Is this activity a substitute for therapy or assessment?
No. It is a healthy home activity that supports development. Any assessment, including a clinical AbilityScore®, and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.