The child in the game is “independent”; the adult has a directing role and must learn to stay in the background when the child does not need his intervention.  HOW TO MAKE A BASKET OF TREASURES

A few weeks ago we told you about the Jar of Calm and we gave you directions on how to make it (read the article) .

Today I want to prepare with you another tool full of stimuli for your child , born from the idea of ​​the British psycho-educationalist Elinor Goldschmied and also used in the Montessori method: we make the Basket of Treasures !

The Basket of Treasures is especially suitable for younger children, the most suitable age for its use is between 6 and 12 months , i.e. from when the child manages to maintain the sitting position until the moment in which he begins to to walk.

The purpose of the basket is to stimulate the child, offering him a highly appreciated sensory experience, putting him in contact with “everyday objects” that allow him to exercise all his abilities!

“By handling, sucking, turning objects in their mouths, children make discoveries related to weight, size, shape , texture, noise, smell and when they choose an object we can imagine that they are wondering: What is it? ‘” 

How do you prepare a basket of treasures?

First we need to get a wicker basket about 35 cm in diameter and 12 in height.

We then have to fill the basket with about 60/100 objects (better if not plastic).

What are the most suitable objects?

As we have already said we must fill our basket with everyday objects (therefore no toys) and we must choose those that allow the child to activate all 5 senses: touch, smell, hearing, taste and sight.

Here are some ideas:

• Objects of nature : stones, pine cones, shells, natural sponges, fruits (to be replaced if necessary: ​​D), feathers …
• Wooden objects : spoons, clothespins, shoe brushes …
• Objects made with natural materials : balls of wool, natural bristle brushes, cork trivets, brushes …
• Metal objects : bunches of keys, cookie molds, jar lids, kitchen whips, bell, tea infuser …
• Objects in leather, fabric or rubber: rubber tubes, leather handbags or purses, leather key rings, tennis balls, cotton bags with essences (tightly closed), make-up brush …
• Paper or cardboard objects : cardboard boxes, notepads, rolls of absorbent paper or toilet paper …

The best thing would be to put a couple of items per category in the basket and replace them every now and then to give the child new stimuli. Obviously, we avoid inserting dangerous, sharp or too small objects.

How to play?

Once the basket has been prepared, we must make it accessible to the child and allow him to touch, smell, bring to his mouth all the objects inside without intervening, playing the role of mere observers.

In this way the child will feel serene and can begin his adventure to discover the world around him. You will see for yourself how much your baby will love his basket!

Are you ready to make it happen? 🙂