Treasure baskets for children who can sit unsupported.

Playing and taking risks are important learning opportunities. Elinor Goldschmied developed the idea of using selected ordinary objects to stimulate learning through play. Treasure baskets are collections of household objects which are cleaned regularly, and provide sensory experiences for children who are too young to get around by themselves and explore the environment. They can of course be adapted for older children too.

The idea is that using a strong, durable, flat bottomed basket, preferably not plastic, with no handles, and putting in a variety of household objects, improves play and provides an interesting learning esperience. Offering differences in texture weight and shape which can be offered to baby to explore while an adult is present, teaches small children about the environment while they play. Of course the child will explore these obects with their mouths as well as hands but as long as an adult is present there should be no difficulty with this. One could offer a rich variety of different baskets;-

Touch  :- different textures, weights and shapes, prickly, smooth.

Smell :- different scents      
Sight :- colour shape length shiny dull
Taste      
Natural objects :-  shell, pebbles, loofah, pumice, feather
Wooden objects :- Curtain rings, napkin holder, egg cup, clothes pegs, spoons
Metal objects  :-    spoons, tins, measuring bowls, funnel, keys
Natural materials :- nail brush, back brush, cosmetic brush, little baskets,
Leather, rubber, tennis ball, wallet, purse, teddy, spectacle case

Plastic is not recommended as it is always smooth, has no smell and no taste. There is little variety except in shape and form.

Baskets should  be treated with respect. Broken objects should be thrown away and all things should be regularly cleaned. Your imagination is the only limit in filling a basket. Having the opportunity to explore these things twice a week keeps the play fresh and interesting. A baby may choose to play with just one object or to explore a few. The adult should be watching, but not talking, allowing plenty of time for baby to investigate the whole basket. This could be 45 minutes to an hour. If you feel that something is not safe, of course intervene.

Toys today are often plastic and smooth to the touch. How do you know what prickly is if you have never felt it? Remember that baby is also experiencing temperature. Cold metal, warmer wood, tastes differ too, salty, sweet, sour, the more experience your little one has the more confident they become about exploring their environment.

Older children might enjoy a "dressing up" basket. Again, only your imagination limits the experience you offer. Treasure baskets for older children are a good "rainy day" fall back and if they are produced in rotation they remain interesting to children of every age.