This guide presents a kit of interactive games designed for caregivers to help children aged 0-6 years communicate their feelings, preferences and experiences without relying on words. The document is divided into three age groups with specific activities: Complete the Animal for 0-2 years, My Choices My Favorites, My Familiar World and Feed the Animal for 2-4 years, and Build Your Own Story for…
The Invisible Suitcase is an interactive play-based guide for caregivers of children aged 0-6 years. It provides structured activities to help children who cannot express themselves through words communicate their feelings, preferences and experiences through play. The document is designed for parents, educators and therapists working with young children.
The guide opens with an introduction explaining its purpose and a table of contents. It then describes the kit contents and how to use it, including five steps: prepare, introduce, explore, observe and record. Important reminders stress never forcing participation and accepting gestures, expressions and silence as communication.
Caregiver guidelines cover creating a safe space, following the child's lead, listening beyond words, encouraging without pressure, respecting individuality and observing with empathy. These principles apply across all age groups and activities.
For children aged 0-2 years, the Complete the Animal activity uses animal boards with missing parts to encourage visual recognition and interaction. The caregiver observes which animals attract attention and whether the child reaches, points or tries to place pieces.
For ages 2-4 years, three activities are presented: My Choices My Favorites uses illustrated choice cards for expressing likes and dislikes; My Familiar World uses picture cards of familiar objects and characters; Feed the Animal uses pretend play with animal figures and food pieces. Each activity includes observation points and psychological impact notes.
For ages 4-6 years, Build Your Own Story uses illustrated cards for children to create and narrate their own stories. The caregiver observes chosen characters, connections between pictures, themes and how the child expresses feelings. The guide concludes with safety guidelines.