Our recommended read

The Treasure Basket and Heuristic Play

By Anita M Hughes

(12, David Fulton Publishers, 9781843124290, 020 8996 3610)

Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant

This extremely useful book brings together the practical details of how to gather resources for a treasure basket and the relaxed play experience of heuristic play. The descriptions alone would be enough to recommend the book, but Anita Hughes has also laid out carefully the thinking behind these play experiences.

Theory is blended with practice in an accessible way for early years practitioners, as well as advisors or college tutors.

Different chapters highlight how babies and very young children learn, with links to what are suitable or inappropriate play experiences and resources.

Examples and case studies show how to use these ideas with babies and toddlers and extend them naturally to play with slightly older children.

It is helpful that the author acknowledges likely reservations from practitioners or parents. She shows respect for possible doubts and anxiety. Then she addresses how to get beyond the beliefs of some adults that bought toys are better (or safer) than flexible resources that enable children to explore and discover for themselves.