Using Treasure Baskets in Nursery

Treasure baskets enable children to develop their cognitive development, this is done through exploring objects using their senses. Heuristic play describes the activity and play of babies and children as they play with and explore the properties of the different 'objects' in these basketsThese baskets are incorporated into the rooms at daisykins nursery for children to explore in their own time. It is a great source to encourage children to independently choose an object and explore its properties.

Children can spend up to 30 minutes concentrating on this form of play whether it's exploring a particular object or searching through the baskets to see what else they can find. The objects in the basket can be household objects, natural objects and different textured materials. The purpose of these treasure baskets is to create endless play opportunities, the children at nursery demonstrate using the objects to represent other things for example children use the metal spoons to bang on the metal bowls to make noises.During the day at daisykins nursery practitioners will clear a space within their rooms and place the baskets and objects out in an inviting manner. A practitioner will support and enhance the learning opportunities by introducing language and role modelling play. It is a great chance for practitioners to take photos and make observations of the children.As the children get older they will be begin to enjoy posting, hiding, rolling, pouring, filling, therefore you can introduce objects into these baskets which incorporate this , for example providing some boxes with lids so children can fill and empty the boxes.These treasure baskets can easily be introduced at home and you don't need to go out and buy resources. To find out more about Treasure baskets for the under 2's click here