Tsreasure basket play gives babies an opportunity to handle a wide range of everyday objects made from natural materials. In these times of technology, bright colours and manufactured toys, treasure basket play offers a simple but effective way of engaging babies while supporting many aspects of their development.
WHEN AND HOW
The basis of treasure basket play is a low basket filled with a wide range of objects made from natural materials. Ideally, you should put at least 30 different objects into a treasure basket, as a combination of objects provides some of the developmental benefits.
Choose objects that are made from metal, wood, shell, bone, fabric or other natural materials. Test each object to make sure that it is robust enough for a baby to handle and also that it is large enough not to be a choking hazard. Expect that all objects will be put in the mouth and so avoid items such as paper or cardboard that might disintegrate.
Objects that seem to work well include metal teaspoons, natural sponges, leather purses, small tins, shells, flat pebbles, silk scarves and wooden honey spoons. Hardest to source is often the basket itself. If you cannot find a low basket that is large enough not to tip up, think instead about putting the items out on a tray.
This kind of play works well with babies from about four months, providing that they are strong enough to sit up with support. To introduce it:
- Play when the baby is not tired.
- Put the treasure basket on the floor.
- If a baby needs support, sit behind them with your legs outstretched to prevent them toppling over.
- Invite the baby to explore the objects by lifting one up from the basket, but then sit still.
- Let the baby have complete control over what is handled and mouthed.
- Avoid distracting the baby by commenting.
Safety note: observe the baby carefully at all times and be very vigilant, especially if you have included new objects.
BENEFITS
Treasure basket play supports children's cognitive development, as it is highly stimulating, helping babies learn to concentrate at a very early age. Additionally, it:
- encourages babies to balance and develop their core muscles as they sit for this activity (physical)
- encourages the exploration of textures, shapes, sizes and materials (cognitive), and
- helps babies realise that they can have an effect on the world around them and so is empowering (emotional).
NEXT STEPS
Even with 30 or so different items in it, babies will enjoy three or four new objects being put into their basket each time. This will keep the activity stimulating and means that treasure basket play can be planned daily up until such time as the baby is walking.
WHAT TO OBSERVE
Several aspects of development are worth observing:
Manipulation of objects Watch to see how babies are making progress in handling objects. Look out for babies who are able to transfer an object from one hand to the other. Notice also when they consciously release objects when they have finished with them.
Balance Playing with a treasure basket requires balance and some strength. Watch to see how easily babies manage to reach into the basket while maintaining their sitting position.
Mouthing Notice when babies start to examine objects closely before taking them to their mouth. With older babies, observe whether the time spent mouthing objects is starting to decrease.
HOME LEARNING
Many parents may be unaware of the developmental benefits of treasure basket play. It can be helpful to show them a film clip of their child using one and to make a list of objects parents could use to create one at home.
This a great activity to help babies learn to concentrate, but can also be used to distract a bored baby. It is essential to emphasise to parents that they need to supervise their children closely during this type of play.
RHYME TIME
No nursery rhymes relate directly to treasure basket play, but you might like to share rhymes that link to objects in the basket – for example, spoons and Hey, Diddle, Diddle:
Hey, diddle, diddle, the cat and the fiddle
The cow jumped over the moon,
The little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the dish ran away with the spoon
BOOK TIME
Look out for some lift-the-flap books, as babies will also enjoy handling and discovering surprises within them. A good example of a lovely sturdy flap book is Rod Campbell's First Rhymes which includes games.
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