In her book Resources for Early Learning: Children, Adults and Stuff, Pat Gura uses the word 'stuff' as shorthand for all the resources (natural, manufactured, recycled) and equipment used for play.
She rightly points out that 'anything can become a play material, as the player wills it'. We have all observed children imaginatively using (and being inspired by) everyday objects as playthings. What is really important about the 'stuff' of continuous provision, though, is how easy it is for children to choose to use it. They need to:
- know it exists and will fit their purpose
- know where to find it
- have help (if necessary) to use it
- be allowed to be creative in the way they use it
- refine how they use it
- know where to put it back when they have finished using it!
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