T h e i n v i s i b l e s u i t case An Interactive Play-Based Guide for Caregivers

ABOUT THIS GUIDE Introduction Every child has a unique world of feelings, preferences and experiences. But not every child can express them through words. The Invisible Suitcase uses simple, playful activities to help children express themselves, Explore their interests and communicate at their own pace. For the child: A chance to explore, choose and be heard. For the caregiver: A way to understand the child's preferences and communication. Every child has a story, even without words.

CONTENT Understanding the Kit 04 How to Use the Kit 05 Caregiver Guidelines 06 0–2 YEARS COMPLETE THE ANIMAL 07 2–4 YEARS My Choices, My Favorites 08 My Familiar World 09 FEED THE ANIMAL 10 4–6 YEARS Build Your Own Story 11 Safety Guidelines 12

UNDERSTANDING THE KIT It contains interactive games that encourage children to explore, make choices, express themselves and communicate through play. The kit is divided into three age groups:  0-2 Years 2-4 Years 4-6 Years PAGE- 04

HOW TO USE THE KIT 1. PREPARE Arrange the activity materials in a comfortable and distraction free environment. 2. INTRODUCE Show the child the activity and explain it using simple words, gestures or demonstrations. 3. EXPLORE Allow the child to interact with the materials freely and participate at their own pace. 4. OBSERVE Notice the child's choices, expressions, gestures, reactions and interests. 5. RECORD Document observations in the child's profile to understand their preferences and communication Patterns over time. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER Never force a child to participate or respond. Accept pointing, gestures, expressions and silence as forms of communication. Avoid leading questions or suggesting answers. Allow the child to pause, stop or change their choices. Repeat activities over time to notice changing interests and preferences. PAGE- 05

CAREGIVER GUIDELINES The caregiver's role is not to find answers, but to create opportunities For children to express themselves and feel understood. CREATE A SAFE SPACE Make the child feel Comfortable, accepted And free to participate. FOLLOW THE CHILD'S LEAD Allow the child to explore Activities in their own way And at their own pace. LISTEN BEYOND WORDS Pay attention to gestures, Expressions, sounds, Movements and choices. ENCOURAGE, DON'T PRESSURE Appreciate participation Without forcing responses or Expecting specific answers. RESPECT INDIVIDUALITY Every child has different Interests, abilities and ways Of expressing Themselves. OBSERVE WITH EMPATHY Notice patterns over time Without judging or making Assumptions about the child's Experiences. PAGE- 06

PAGE- 07 COMPLETE THE ANIMAL AGE GROUP: 0–2 YEARS ACTIVITY PURPOSE To encourage visual recognition, attention and interaction by allowing the child to Complete familiar animal illustrations. HOW TO PLAY 1. Show the child an animal board with one part missing. 2. Place the matching piece in front of the child. 3. Encourage the child to look at and explore the piece. 4. Demonstrate how the piece fits into the empty space. 5. Allow the child to try placing it independently or with gentle assistance. WHAT THE CAREGIVER CAN OBSERVE - Which animals attract the child's attention? - Does the child look, reach, point or try to place the piece? - Does the child recognize matching shapes or images? - Does the child repeat the activity or show interest in a particular animal? Psychological IMPACT: Since children aged 0–2 cannot express themselves verbally, This activity allows them to communicate through gestures, choices and reactions. It helps caregivers Understand their interests and responses while encouraging early confidence, exploration and a sense of achievement. PAGE- 07

MY CHOICES, MY FAVORITE AGE GROUP: 2-4 YEARS ACTIVITY PURPOSE To help children express their likes, dislikes and interests by making simple choices. The activity gives children an opportunity to communicate their preferences through Pictures, pointing or words. HOW TO PLAY 1. Show the child a small set of illustrated choice cards. 2. Name the objects or activities shown in the pictures. 3. Ask the child to choose what they like. 4. Let the child point, pick up or say their choice. 5. Repeat with different categories such as animals, food, toys and activities. 6. Record the child's selections in their observation profile. WHAT THE CAREGIVER CAN OBSERVE - Which objects or activities does the child choose? - Does the child make choices independently? - Are there pictures the child repeatedly selects? - Does the child show clear likes, dislikes or uncertainty? Psychological Impact: Making simple choices gives children a sense of independence and control over their decisions. Expressing likes and dislikes helps develop self-awareness and confidence. It also allows caregivers to understand The child's individual interests, preferences and personality, helping them provide more personalized care. PAGE- 08

PAGE- 09 MY FAMILIAR WORLD AGE GROUP: 2-4 YEARS ACTIVITY PURPOSE To help children express their interests and connect with familiar objects, characters, animals and Surroundings through picture-based interaction. HOW TO PLAY 1. Spread a few illustrated cards in front of the child. 2. Let the child look through the pictures at their own pace. 3. Invite the child to pick or point to anything they recognize, like or find interesting. 4. Encourage them to name the picture, make its sound or simply show their choice. 5. Let the child arrange or group the selected cards in any way they like. 6. Record the child's interests and responses. WHAT THE CAREGIVER CAN OBSERVE - Which pictures catch the child's attention? - Does the child recognize familiar objects or characters? - Does the child connect a picture with a sound, word or gesture? - Which pictures does the child return to? Psychological Impact: Recognizing familiar pictures encourages a sense of familiarity, comfort and connection with The child's surroundings. Choosing and interacting with pictures supports self-expression, curiosity and confidence. It also helps caregivers understand the child's interests, preferences and familiar associations, allowing them To build a stronger connection with the child.

FEED THE ANIMAL AGE GROUP: 2-4 YEARS ACTIVITY PURPOSE To encourage pretend play, decision-making and interaction through a simple feeding activity. It gives children An opportunity to explore choices and express their preferences. PAGE- 10 HOW TO PLAY 1. Introduce the animal to the child and show its open mouth or feeding space. 2. Place the illustrated food pieces in front of the child. 3. Invite the child to choose what they would like to feed the animal. 4. Let the child pick up a food piece and place it in the animal's mouth. 5. Encourage the child to explore different food options and repeat the activity. 6. Notice the child's choices and interactions. WHAT THE CAREGIVER CAN OBSERVE - Which food pictures does the child select? - Does the child make choices independently? - Does the child show interest in particular animals or food items? - Does the child engage in pretend play or make sounds while feeding the animal? Psychological Impact: Pretend feeding encourages imagination, decision-making and symbolic thinking. Choosing food And feeding the animal gives children an opportunity to express preferences and experience independence. The playful Interaction also encourages curiosity and helps caregivers understand the child's interests, choices and Patterns of engagement.

BUILD YOUR OWN STORY AGE GROUP: 4-6 YEARS PAGE- 11 ACTIVITY PURPOSE To encourage imagination, creativity and self-expression by allowing Children to create their own stories using pictures. It gives children an opportunity To communicate ideas, emotions and interests in their own way. HOW TO PLAY 1. Spread the illustrated cards in front of the child. 2. Invite the child to choose a few cards that interest them. 3. Ask the child to arrange the cards in any order they like. 4. Encourage them to create a story using the selected pictures. 5. Let the child explain the story through words, gestures or actions. 6. Listen without interrupting or changing the child's story. WHAT THE CAREGIVER CAN OBSERVE - What kinds of characters, places or objects does the child choose? - How does the child connect different pictures? - What themes or ideas appear in the story? - How does the child express feelings through characters or events? - Does the child enjoy explaining or acting out the story? Psychological Impact: Storytelling encourages imagination, emotional expression and creative thinking. Creating Stories allows children to communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences indirectly through characters and Situations. It helps caregivers understand the child's interests, ideas and emotional expressions while providing a Safe space for self-expression.

PAGE- 12 SAFETY GUIDELINES To ensure that every activity in The Invisible Suitcase is conducted in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER - Every child develops and communicates at their own pace. - A child's silence, refusal or lack of participation should be respected. - Activities are not diagnostic tools and must not be used to identify trauma or determine a child's history. - If a child communicates something concerning or discloses harm, listen calmly and follow the Institution's child-protection and safeguarding procedures. BEFORE THE ACTIVITY - Check all materials for damage, sharp edges or loose parts. - Use non-toxic, washable and child-safe materials. - Ensure that all pieces are age-appropriate and large enough to prevent choking. - Clean the materials before and after every use. - Choose a comfortable space with minimal distractions. DURING THE ACTIVITY - Always supervise children, especially those aged 0–2 years. - Never leave a child alone with activity materials. - Do not force a child to participate, touch or respond. - Allow breaks whenever the child appears uncomfortable or loses interest. - Keep small, detachable pieces away from younger children. - Respect each child's physical and emotional boundaries. AFTER THE ACTIVITY - Collect and count all materials. - Clean and store the materials safely. - Check for damaged or missing pieces. - Record any relevant observations without judgment.

THE INVISIBLE SUITCASE Every child carries a world of feelings, memories, interests and experiences Some of which cannot always be expressed through words. The Invisible Suitcase is a play-based activity kit designed for children Aged 0–6 years. Through simple games, choices and Expressions, it encourages children to communicate in their Own way while helping caregivers understand their Individual needs, interests and emotions. Because every child has a story, even when they cannot tell it yet. A play-based guide for children and caregivers. TISHRI | 2026