Heuristic play
By Kate Elliott-Cannon
(Early Years Development Manager)
Elinor Goldschmied was a respected pioneer in early year’s circles. One of her most well-known
achievements was introducing heuristic play (the “treasure basket”) as a play resource for infants.
This is something we are developing at YMCA Mullion Nursery for our new infant and toddler room in
particular.
What is Heuristic play?
Traditionally this comprises a natural basket, usually sturdy with low sides, into which 80 to 100
household, recycled and natural objects are placed. Personally I find the suggested number of
resources a little over stimulating for presentation and we prefer to offer a smaller number but
rotate the items for interest. As babies explore the resources their senses are nourished and the
experience is remembered by the brain
The objects should have the potential to meet a young child’s sensory enquiry; in other words can be
sucked, banged, held, shaken, smelled, make a noise or rolled for example. This might include items
such as chains combined with a variety of large tins, tubes and other containers, lengths of pipe and
connectors. Two year olds enjoy “islands” of such items to explore. We simply vary the contents to
suit the age group and the individuals and watch as they make their choices, explore, discover,
collect, transport, fill, dump, stack, or knock down. Such resources encourage the child to be curious,
to experiment and to be both physically and mentally active and the open ended nature of the
resources offer endless appeal.
The treasure basket is an ideal resource for babies who can sit up but not yet crawl but also
interests’ toddlers and two year olds. It makes a great “baby shower” gift for new parents.
Older children are also intrigued by collections of objects and enjoy sorting,
arranging and comparing. As a child I was fascinated by my mum’s button tin
and my dad’s collection of keys! The word “heuristic” comes from Greek and
means “Come to an understanding” or “discovery though action” which describes
the learning process really well. Humans are natural collectors (coins, stamps,
precious stones) and evidently the interest in comparing and investigating
begins very early on.
The role of the adults during heuristic play is to be fully present, to support
when needed but otherwise to be quiet, simply observing. Through such
sensitive observation we can learn about your baby’s or toddler’s personality and interests as well as
what s/he can do. This quiet kind of support promotes a sense of autonomy, self confidence for the
child and lays a good foundation for later communication skills: mutual trust. The adult is available if
needed but the child is independent. The adult therefore trusts the child as an initiator, an explorer
and a self learner. This message is reinforced within the child’s self view.
Many child development researchers suggest that from birth young children are driven by
exploratory impulse.
“Young children are essentially active risk takers and problem solvers and they require an
environment which is full of stimulation, opportunities to stretch themselves to their limits and take
risks to play for extended periods of time, both alone and with adult and child playmates” says Tina
Bruce.
Babies will often explore treasure baskets for as long as an hour, which is an amazingly long time for
such young children to concentrate! One of the most important learning aspects of this kind of
activity is that the babies are in charge! They make the choices about what to explore and how to
explore…you already know all the items are safe because you chose them. This actively promotes
independent thinking as well as fine motor skills, brain development and imagination as they post,
bang, pile, sequence, taste, touch, push, pull, roll or rearrange.
Can you help our nursery?
One aim is to theme our treasure baskets and discovery boxes. For example our first collection is
“The bathroom”. So far we have a collection of wooden massagers, pumice stones, and a body
scrubber and a mirror. This would be enhanced by hair rollers, a loofah, shells, shaving brushes,
rubber duck, empty bubble bath container, sponges, soap dish, soap dispenser.
Other suggestions for themes include “The kitchen” (e.g. rubber gloves, mug trees, napkin rings, egg
cups, interesting spoons, pastry brush, utensils, small pots and pans) Colours (transparent coloured
items, unusual shiny or coloured or textured cloth or paper) Shapes (household items such as cookie
cutters, jam jar lids, cotton reels, wooden or ceramic eggs, cylinders) old CD’s. Other themes might
be “magnetism”, “rolling and stacking”, “pouring and scooping”
Other items of interest include: hats, purses, bags, items with zips or
buttons or buckles (such as belts, pencil cases) scarves, cotton reels,
ribbons, large pebbles, curtain rings, corks, tea strainer, bracelets, keys and
key rings
Having large collections of such items enables children to develop concepts
such as size, length, shape, irridesence, colour, texture, quantity, weight,
smells, and discern between the varieties offered.
Perhaps you have some random household items no longer in use which
you might donate? Naturally all items need to be clean and in good
condition. We welcome anything you have to offer including empty shoe
boxes and baskets of all shapes and sizes to store items in!