I first heard about treasure baskets when I attended baby sessions atmy local Surestart children's centre with my eldest, who's now three. They were regularly used during our baby and toddler PEEP sessions and I bought they were such a wonderful idea. So I set out with really good intentions, collecting a range of interesting objects when and where I saw them and searching online for ideas and inspiration. But it never went much further than that. Because I was always buying odd objects here and there, I often forget I had them, where I had put them, or ended up using them myself for some other purpose. So I thought I'd do it properly this time. I'd get ready in advance, become really prepared and make much mor elf an effort to use treasure baskets in our play.
What is a treasure basket?
A treasure basket is a basket or box full of interesting, unusual or everyday objects (usually around 20-30 different items). The items can be completely random and unrelated, or you might consider, as we have done, making some treasure baskets up with items that are related to one another or follow a specific theme. We have collected items as we've gone along and I pick them up very regularly as and when I see them. Most of the items I've bought I've got from Wilkinsons, The Range, major supermarkets, Home Bargains and other discount stores. Other items I've found in eBay.
What is the idea behind a treasure basket?
Playing with a treasure baskets falls under the term 'heuristic play.' Heuristic play describes the activity of babies and children playing with and exploring the property of objects from the real world. Heuristic play is a different experience for babies and toddlers; babies explore and make sense of objects using their senses, whilst toddlers discover how objects can be used and the relationship between them.
Plastic toys dominate the toy market but plastic can be boring for babies, it doesn't have an interesting texture, it doesn't smell of much, there is not much for them to 'experience' unless it rattles or makes some other kind of noise. So plastic toys don't provide much of a sensory experience. Treasure baskets can fill that void, offering objects that appeal to all the senses and therefore provide a rich learning experience for babies. They also offer babies contact with the outside world, encouraging them to problem solve and to make their own decisions.
When is a good time to introduce a treasure basket?
Treasure baskets tend to be used from when babies reach a point they can sit unaided (around 6 months) until they reach around 16-18 months. Isla is able to sit unaided, but for only a very short period of time. We've found placing her in her Bumbo and putting the basket on top of a small box is one way of allowing her to explore a treasure basket until she can sit for a longer period of time. If you have a Bumbo with a tray, you could place a range of objects on the tray for your baby to explore. You could also perhaps do the same with your baby in a high chair. It is better to use a treasure basket once your baby can sit unaided, because this way they can access the objects themselves and make choices about what they would like to explore - an integral part of the activity.
What can I put in a treasure basket?
Suitable items for treasure baskets include objects from the natural world, objects made out of any material other than plastic and everyday items that can be found in and around the home. As long as they don't present a choking hazard, they have no sharp edges and are safe for a baby to use, they can be included in a treasure basket. Do bear in mind that babies explore objects not only with their hands but also their mouths, so you need to choose objects that would be safe to do so. Items in the basket must be regularly checked to make sure they are still safe for your baby to handle.
How do I use a treasure basket?
Using a treasure basket is simple: place it within your baby's reach and leave them to explore. It is important to stay close to your baby, not only for safety reasons, but also so that you can offer support and encouragement as they play. Interaction with them should be kept to a minimum. Your baby should be left to explore objects independently, to make their own choices, to 'use' them how they so wish. There is no right or wrong way to use the objects and being unobtrusive allows babies to develop confidence and concentration and play at their own pace.
As with any other kind of play time, ensure play is focused on the treasure basket by removing all other distractions (turning off the TV/radio etc). Also choose a time when your baby is relaxed, not tired or hungry. It is important that the treasure basket comes out for 30 minutes to an hour and then gets put away; leaving it out for your baby to play with all the time will only reduce the curiosity you are seeking to develop by using one in the first place. For the same reason, it is important to change items in the basket frequently. There should always be something interesting and new to explore. We tend to have one basket we put a selection of objects in for exploring and then a large container for all the objects we use in a treasure basket.
I'll be sharing some of my ideas for treasure baskets in subsequent posts, so look out for these. If you have any ideas as to objects to use, I'd love you to share them.
Happy treasure hunting!
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