If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Treasure basket play is used in many different ways. There are many who say if you deviate from the Elinor Goldschmied’s method then it is not a true Treasure Basket and shouldn’t be called one. I like to hold to the principles but feel that a lot can be achieved if you change things to fit your lifestyle.
Treasure baskets are a great play activity for sitting to approximately 12months olds. However towards that year mark they like to start throwing the objects, well mine certainly did. Parents also get concern that they are not just mouthing but chewing and being destructive with these objects and start putting them away.
What to do?
Changing the type of items available may be a better choice.
Perhaps try a theme instead of an eclectic mix.
If they like biting: metal items
If they like sound: musical items ( bought or homemade)
If they like touch: fabrics, cardboard, sandpaper
Adapt the treasure basket from being a sitting independent basket to a more collaborative basket, at times. To me it is a treasure basket because of all the treasure and goodies inside but to many others not.
Try Containers
After 12months my LO and still at 18m0nths has a fascination with containers. We collect empty food containers, for a time as well as collect containers when they are on sale. There is something about pushing stuff inside and pulling stuff out that he can’t get enough of. Having a collection of ever changing containers really keeps him entertained and totally engaged. He’s is totally learning while he is playing.
The difference is that this is deliberate play. I gathered the materials and let him have at it. Rather than he found them himself and got to play with them for a time before I took them from him. Both ways maybe playing but one way gives him more opportunities to exercise his curiosity and wear his scientists coat. The other way is a lot more stressful and emotionally charged.
The best thing about Treasure Baskets is how you can find so many delights in your own home without having to go and buy anything extra. You just have to put on your “Treasure Basket glasses” on. Meaning, looking at your house, cupboards, pantry, bathroom etc always with an eye to use.
Empty wipes box containers and tissue boxes. I can’t tell you how much fun we’ve had with them. Using new boxes is fine and transferring tissues and wipes to zipper bags also works.
You child maybe past the 12month stage but don’t give up on the Treasure Basket idea. There are so many things to be discovered in a basket…………..figures, stories, games and lots of imagination and discovery.
We’ve been having fun with bottles recently with both of the little ones. More to follow with the LO another time.
Here’s a fun activity I have been hoping to try for a long time.
Gather together coloured rice and strong plastic letters that fit inside of a bottle.
It’s easier than you think.
Colour rice with alcohol from the Pharmacy and food colouring.
Allow to dry in a ventilated room
Repeat with additional colours.
The MO was excited to add the colouring.
Once fully dry, fill the bottle 1/4 full then add a bunch of letters.
Repeat until all the alphabet is in and all the rice is inside as well. We checked as we went along to get everything in.
The MO is unlikely to undo the top of the bottle but to be sure, we taped it down with parcel tape although a glue gun would probably work. I like the physical reminder. His friends all ask, “Why is this tape here?” as they try and take it off.
Uses:
He tries to find his name.
Plays alone and with a friend( or mommy)
Easily carried to the car, dropped into the stroller, taken while at the Drs. ( again!)
Why we like it?
He’s proud of what he’s help make. Everyone that has come to the house recently has seen it!
He’s determined to find some letters that he can’t see.
His brother and he both try and do the same thing and find lost letters.
This is a guest post by Tonya Wright. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.
10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Book for Your Preschooler
Unless you are looking for a specific book, walking into the local bookstore or neighborhood library can be overwhelming if you have no idea where to begin! Preschoolers are vastly different from the toddlers they once were. Younger children are quite happy with books that have simplistic illustrations and minimal text. Somewhere around the age of three, and sometimes around the age of two-and-a-half, children began to crave more sophisticated literacy experiences. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you are wandering aimlessly amid rows and rows of books!
1. Are the illustrations appropriate, engaging, and relevant? Young children are understandably drawn to pictures before text, so choose books that have photographs or illustrations that depict emotion and/or activity. See if the illustrations reflect and enhance the text. Also, ensure that the illustrations are appropriate and reflect the values you want to instill. For example, some of the Curious George books, depict smoking. That is not to say that you have to avoid Curious George books, (I happen to like the little guy) but whenever you select a book, you should be informed about what you are purchasing.
2. Are the text and the illustrations bias-free? Look for books that fairly depict children of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities. Select books that do not perpetuate gender stereotypes. For example, in books about community helpers are the women depicted to be teachers and nurses while the men are depicted as fireMEN and policeMEN?
3. Is the text appropriate for my child’s developmental level? You want to choose books that have words that preschoolers can understand, but you also want to provide children with opportunities to learn new words as well. Preschoolers also like text that is predictable, rhythmic, and easy to memorize. And don’t be afraid to choose books that have NO WORDS! Wordless books offer great opportunities to create new stories over and over again!
4. Does the story inspire the imagination? Young children enjoy pretending; imaginary play is an important part of cognitive growth and development. Choose books that encourage children to think or imagine beyond the pages of the book.
5. Do you as the adult find the book interesting? As adults we often unconsciously pass on our own fears, likes, and dislikes onto children. Sometimes it is ok to choose books that YOU enjoyed as a child. Passing on your excitement and love for reading is a good thing!
6. Will your child be interested in the subject? Preschoolers enjoy books that describe experiences to which they can relate or ideas that they can imagine. Books about going to school, visiting relatives, or taking trips are relatable subjects for many young children. If your child has a particular interest, such as cars or horses, choose books on that subject. In addition, use books to expose your child to new subjects that they might not otherwise experience!
7. Does the book encourage interaction? Although not every book will be interactive, it’s a good idea to choose some that are. Books that encourage your child to follow directions, search for a hidden object, open/close flaps, or perform other actions help children to understand that reading is not a passive activity!
8. What is the purpose of the book? Select a variety of books that serve a variety of purposes. Some books are humorous, others are meant to teach a concept or moral lesson. Other books are written to give children information about various subjects and other books help.
9. Is this a non-fiction book, and if so, is it accurate? Preschoolers have a funny little obsession with they word WHY! Young children are natural scientists who have an innate desire to learn about the world around them. Encourage this trait by selecting books that will expand children’s knowledge about their world. When choosing non-fiction books such as biographies or informational books, do your best to ensure that you are selecting books that are easily understandable and accurate.
10. Will my child want to read this book more than once? Think of choosing a book as an investment. When you invest in a new car or a new couch, you plan on using those items over and over again. Think of a book the same way! When your preschooler asks to read his favorite book for the 100th time, realize that children learn with repeated exposure. So choose books that you and your child will want to read over and over.
Tonya Wright has over twenty years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She has taught preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten. She has professional interests in Reggio Emilia, the project approach and the RIE approach and has a deep passion for early learning with a special interest in language and literacy. Tonya’s undergraduate work is in Early Childhood Education and Psychology and received her Masters Degree in Educational Technology. Tonya has been published in various national, state, and local teacher magazines and newsletters. She is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Recently Tonya began her Room to Grow blog and she also writes for Literacy Connections.
What was interesting about this activity was that I didn’t show him what to do. I put down a coloured pencil and paper. Then I put him inside the high chair.
Then went off and waited………………. I was close by doing something else but I could see him. Many times I’m happy to let him play by himself but today I wanted to watch him a little. Do you still watch yours a little? We used to watch them a lot when they were newborn babies. They were so cute and snuggly we listened to their snuffles and their little movements. I know that now I’m often redirecting redirecting……………did I say redirecting? and playing with him that the observing part gets lost.
I had a moment where I looked busy but was really watching him.
In that short period of time between observing and snapping that picture here’s what I saw.
investigation
experimenting
tasting
touching
movement
flapping
following his own agenda
independence
fun
concentration
talking to the paper
talking to me
rolling the pencil
examining
looking over the edges ( dropped pencil)
At the end there was one line, a broken pencil and paper on the floor. So much learning and fun had taken place. Not everything in play is visible and obvious. I’m glad I took time to observe him playing. I highly recommend it.
Sign up to our play-activities email and you will receive a new, fun, educational activity to try at home with your child each week. Best of all, it's completely FREE!
books, (I happen to like the little guy) but whenever you select a book, you should be informed about what you are purchasing.
Subscribe by RSS
