Heuristic Play by Sheila Riddall-Leech

Author:Sheila Riddall-Leech
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: heuristic, play, EYFS, child, development, theory, behaviour, investigative, exploratory
ISBN: 9781907241963
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited 2012
Published: 2012-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

Your role is very similar to that described in the previous chapter: you need to be unobtrusive, quietly attentive and observant. There are however some slight distinctions between treasure basket play and heuristic play sessions:

A treasure basket is planned for one or two babies, but a heuristic play session could involve several toddlers at any one time. There is more chance therefore that they may bump into each other as they move around, so you need to be observant and gently guide children if they are at risk of a bump.

Toddlers are unable to share, they simply do not understand the concept of sharing. There is a greater possibility that two children may want the same object; this is where it is vitally important that you provide a large quantity of objects. If two toddlers are attempting to explore for example the same tube or length of chain, the adult can discreetly lean forward and offer another tube or length of chain and so avoid a possible issue. It is not necessary to say anything to the toddlers. In most cases the toddlers will just accept the offered object and will continue to play and explore.

As the children play and move objects, the materials available will inevitably become mixed-up. Every now and then you can reorganise the objects so that the toddlers can see them better and in doing so you will probably stimulate another idea for investigation.

As with any play session there may be times when a child accidentally hurts themselves or seeks reassurance from the adult. You should be able to respond quickly but quietly, calmly and gently, to the toddler by remaining attentive throughout the session.

Sometimes a toddler will become frustrated with what they are trying to do, such as push corks into a plastic bottle. You can carefully intervene and offer either smaller corks or a wider necked bottle. Again, there is no real need to say anything as you offer different objects. The toddler will either accept or refuse them; this does not matter as this is the child’s independent choice and all part of their learning and development.

During the clearing away time you can name the objects that you want the child to bring you for each bag. When the child responds, you should also give positive praise, such as ‘a thank you’. As you name each object the child will begin to associate the word with the object and, as they have gained through their play direct sensory experiences of the object, knowing its name acquires real meaning.

If you also add short, unambiguous comments associated with clearing away such as, ‘bring me another cork, or tube’, or ‘there is one by the chair’, you will also contribute to the development of the child’s language, vocabulary and concepts.

Believe in the philosophy of heuristic play and be enthusiastic about its benefits to a child’s overall development and learning. Some of your colleagues and parents may be sceptical about its benefits and often have concerns about the objects and materials used.

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