Nursery World - Under-threes play ideas

Explorations can extend beyond texture, colour and pattern

Vary: * the size * colour and * fabric, including cotton, silky, muslin (or similar), open-weave and wool.

Wash them all carefully before using them.

Provide a basket of fabric pieces for children to explore. Place the pieces side by side, touching them, describing them and inviting the children to join in. Explore with your hands and then your feet – take off your own socks and shoes and join in the explorations.

Rub your cheek with the various scarves, then brush them gently over children’s faces and arms to explore the different textures.

Hang the scarves from a ribbon ‘washing line’ over changing areas, from tables or between chairs to that children can touch them with their hands and toes. Lie on the floor with the children and stretch up to touch the scarves with your toes.

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