The household objects in this treasure basket are by far the most played with ‘baby toys’ we own.

Resources

  • Basket
  • Washing up brushes
  • Sponges
  • Cloths
  • Shower puffs
  • Nail brush
  • Silicone ice trays
  • Colander
  • Oven glove
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoons
  • Wooden rolling pins
  • Potato masher
  • Bangles
  • Toe dividers
  • Space blanket
  • Silk scarf

Method

At 7 months old, Ioan and Finn spent hours a day, propped up with cushions as they explored this basket, chomping on the contents.

Cian prefers to empty the basket contents on to the floor and roll around with them. But today he finally sat to chew on them all.

The wooden spoons are always a favourite.

As always, today’s baby play area isn’t fancy. Just a blanket, some cushions, a book basket and this treasure basket.

DfES Outcomes for EYFS (2013)

Communication and language

Listening and attention (Birth to 11 months)

• Turns towards a familiar sound then locates range of sounds with accuracy.

• Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.

• Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.

• Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.

Speaking

Speaking (Birth to 11 months)

• Makes own sounds in response when talked to by familiar adults.

• Practises and gradually develops speech sounds (babbling) to communicate with adults; says sounds like ‘baba, nono, gogo’.

Physical development

Moving and handling (Birth to 11 months)

• Turns head in response to sounds and sights.

• Gradually develops ability to hold up own head.

• Makes movements with arms and legs which gradually become more controlled.

• Reaches out for, touches and begins to hold objects.

• Explores objects with mouth, often picking up an object and holding it to the mouth.

Personal, social and emotional development

Self-confidence and self-awareness (Birth to 11 months)

• Laughs and gurgles, e.g. shows pleasure at being tickled and other physical interactions.

• Uses voice, gesture, eye contact and facial expression to make contact with people and keep their attention.

Managing feelings and behaviour (Birth to 11 months)

  • Shows a range of emotions such as pleasure, fear and excitement.

Making relationships (Birth to 11 months)

• Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.

• Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.

• Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.