LATEST STORIES
Exploring heuristic play
We are exploring the benefits of heuristic play for our infants and toddlers. Heuristic play was a term coined by child psychologist Elinor Goldschmeid in the 1980’s to describe the activity of babies and children as they play with and explore the properties of objects from the real world.
The team set up baskets filled with real world objects from home and nature, items that were made from material rather than plastic. We noticed our tamariki were using all their senses exploring the baskets.
It is through handling and exploring these objects with their senses that children start making choices and start to gain an understanding of the world around them.
The adults role is to be unobtrusive and observant in a relaxed uncluttered environment.
If you would like to create your own basket try adding items such as, metal whisks, metal napkin rings, cardboard tubes, small boxes with lids, pot scourers, preserving jar rings. Ensure these are all rust free and have smooth edges and are safe.