Help children get a feel for different materials with an assortment of exploratory activities from Alice Sharp
Many play opportunities involve young children using their hands to explore, experiment, discover and create with the materials they are offered. While children are manipulating resources, their hand, eye and brain co-ordination is being developed and their spatial thinking is also being stimulated.
The use of 'treasure baskets' with items to stimulate all five senses has long been encouraged for babies, but the use of different materials with different textures can be adapted for the two- to three-year-old age group too. As young children develop they need a variety of objects made from different materials and with different textures to pick up, handle, twist and turn. They also like to bang objects, scrunch them up and pull them. Any materials should be presented to children in an attractive and challenging way, motivating them to become more curious.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here