Heuristic play refers to play with a collection of real objects that allow children to use their senses to explore the world and materials, resources.
The idea was pioneered by Elinor Goldschmied who started to use treasure baskets with babies and advocated for wider use of the natural materials.
The basket is carefully designed for sitting babies, so that if the baby leans on the rim with a hand or arm and reaches into the basket. Two or three babies can share the basket and the contents of baskets can be themed to give a broad range of sensual experiences. I usually put the resources in basket, that I feel comfortable about as a teacher.
Some examples of treasure baskets:
- A collection of simple music percussion instruments
- A collection of shiny things, e.g. metal whiskers, bowls of different sizes, shiny gift paper
- A collection of balls of different shapes, sizes and colours. I use wooden , felt, rubber balls. They have to be clean and safe for babies to explore.
- A wooden basket can be made of things made of wood, e.g. pinecones, wooden eggs, wooden sticks etc.
- A collection of natural materials – large smooth pebbles, shells, sponges, seed pods, gumnuts, leaves, smooth tree branches.
- A collection of bangles – metal, plastic, fabric
- A collection of boxes of different sizes and shapes
