Treasure Basket Textures
To explore diverse textures, shapes, and materials for sensory development.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Explores objects with hands and mouth
- Shows preferences for certain textures or materials
- Transfers objects between hands
- Investigates objects using multiple senses
Materials
- Shallow basket with a variety of safe objects
- Natural materials (wooden spoons, shells, pinecones)
- Household items (metal whisks, fabric scraps, chains)
- Objects with varied textures, weights, and temperatures
Instructions
Prepare treasure baskets with 10-15 carefully chosen objects, ensuring all are safe for mouthing, have no small parts, and no sharp edges. Change contents regularly to maintain interest.
Position the basket where the baby can reach it independently. Sit nearby, available but not interfering. The treasure basket is about baby-led exploration, not adult direction.
Observe silently, noting which objects attract attention. 'She's really interested in the shiny spoon—she keeps going back to it.' This tells you about her preferences and development.
If the baby looks to you for reassurance, smile and nod encouragingly. 'Yes, you can pick that up! It's a wooden ring.' Provide security without taking over.
Narrate occasionally, especially when the baby is showing something to you. 'You found the smooth stone! It feels cool, doesn't it?' Use rich vocabulary.
After exploration, reflect on what you observed and adjust future baskets accordingly. 'She loved the shiny things today—I'll add more reflective objects next time.'