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What is it? Heuristic play is about the innate curiosity young children have, it's really a fancy term for playing with things that are not toys. You know how your tot gets excited when they shred the paperwork you accidentally left on the couch? Or the joy and satisfaction they show when they manage to bang a pot with a spoon? It's by testing and exploring these every day items that our children are able to discover how they work! That's what Heuristic Play is all about. In their book, People under Three, Elinor Goldschmied and Sonia Jackson coined the term heuristic play, to explain how to provide a more structured opportunity for this kind of activity.
In our home, we engage in heuristic play every day, sometimes by giving JB special themed treasure baskets similar to Mummy Lozz's treasure tray and sometimes simply by allowing her to tear the tupperware cupboard apart or explore the contents of the fruit bowl as I try to finish the dishes or cook dinner. Other times still, we take it into the bath tub.
Here are another ten ideas to inspire you to engage in Heuristic Play with your child:
1. Heuristic Play-Treasure Baskets by The Imagination Tree
Not only does this post have a great list of items to add to your treasure baskets it has all the information you could want about what Heuristic Play is and why you should engage in it.
2. Stuff the Oball by Little Worlds
I just LOVE this idea so much! I have since I first saw it float by my instagram feed-do yourself a favour and click on the link for all the details!
3. Kitchen Treasure Basket by Clare's Little Tots
So, simple, so easy, so fun!
4. Spring Discovery Basket by Play Learn Everyday
Delight and intrigue your bub with this season specific treasure basket.
Ashlee shares how having an "open house" allows Little A to grow and develop her natural curiosity.
6. Old MacDonald Had a Farm Music Basket by Play Learn Everyday
Be inspired by your child's favourite song and create them a treasure basket to explore
7. Heuristic Play Toy Posting Fine Motor Game for Babies by Little Worlds
Another, fantastic yet simple baby play idea from Little Worlds!
8. A Scented Treasure Basket for Sarah by An Everyday Story
So often when we create sensory activities for our babies do we focus only on the tactile sense-the olfactory is just as important to invigorate though!
9. Ball Treasure Basket for Babies by Living Montessori
A great, simple, quick to put together idea to delight and entertain your little one.
10. Owly Scarf Play by Squishels and Me
Grab a silk scarf and delight your baby with this simple play idea!
We asked you to share how you engage in Heuristic Play with us too and Cat1187 shared a fabulous collage of her son exploring everyday objects with us. Thank you so much for sharing your photos with us Cat! If you contact us via Facebook we will send out your small Grimm's Stacking Tower ASAP! We hope you love it!
Next month we're excited to be giving away a set of Grimm's Stacking Bowls! All you need to do is share your heuristic play ideas with us. Find out how here.
You may also like A Year of Playful Baby Ideas. Just click on the picture to read it!
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