What is a treasure basket?
A treasure basket, introduced by Elinor Goldschmied over thirty years ago, offers magical experiences for babies who can sit but are not yet mobile. It is a medium-sized, low, and rigid-sided round or oval basket filled with a variety of natural and household objects. These items range from sponges, feathers, and pine cones to kitchen utensils like garlic presses and wooden spoons. The basket should be sturdy enough to prevent tipping and accessible for babies to reach inside and lean on. The diversity in texture, taste, smell, and weight of the objects enhances the sensory experience. To use a treasure basket effectively, follow these guidelines: Ensure minimal distractions and clear away other toys. Make the basket the focus of attention. Limit the activity to no more than three children at a time. Create a peaceful, calm atmosphere to encourage concentration. Choose a time when the children are comfortable, relaxed, and alert. Avoid assisting by tipping out items or arranging them; let children explore independently. Don't change the basket's contents too frequently, except to remove damaged or perishable items. Different children will have varied experiences with the same objects. Let children indicate when they are done, but don't let the activity exceed one hour. Do not leave the basket out all day, every day. What do I do? As an adult, your role is to observe from a distance. Avoid handing items to a child, intervening if two children want the same item, or retrieving out-of-reach objects. Your intervention will distract them, shifting their focus to you. A reassuring smile is enough if they look to you for reassurance. What are the benefits of a treasure basket? In addition to sensory experiences, treasure baskets offer several benefits: Self-Managed Learning: Children learn to make choices and solve problems independently, fostering brain connections, independence, and confidence. Early Concepts: Activities like tipping, filling, rolling, stacking, and banging help children explore weight, volume, capacity, shape, and sound. Social Skills: Even at a young age, children can develop social skills by making eye contact, communicating, and sharing with others during treasure basket activities. Concentration: Children can become deeply engrossed in exploring the basket, often concentrating for up to 30 minutes without adult intervention. Will it be safe? To ensure the safety of the treasure basket: Maintenance: Regularly check and replace the basket if it deteriorates. Cleaning: Sanitize frequently handled and mouthed items after each session. Size of Items: Avoid small items that could pose a choking hazard, such as small pebbles, marbles, and thimbles. Items with long handles are safe due to children's natural gag reflexes. Allergies: Consider any allergies or special dietary needs, avoiding items like nuts or feathers that could cause reactions. Positioning: Place children sideways to the basket with ample space to explore. Basket Dimensions: Use a basket 17-21 cm high, without handles, and shallow in depth to allow children to lean and reach safely without straining their backs. Additional items you can consider for your treasure basket: Loofah Shells Large pebbles Natural sponge Pumice stone Fir cone Large feather Dried gourds Lemon Apple Orange Large avocado pear stones Woollen balls Various rubber balls Marble egg Tennis ball Puppy 'bone' Small teddy bear Bean bag Coloured ribbons Velvet powder puff Small flannel Rubber tube Bath plug with chain Brass curtain rings Wooden nail brush Toothbrush Bone shoe horn Shaving brush Hair roller House paint brush Bottle brush Purse or wallet Leather specs case Leather key holder Fur fabric These items provide a diverse range of textures, shapes, and weights to enrich the sensory experience for children exploring the treasure basket. Remember anything that fita in the hand and is a new and exiting opportunity is one to try!
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We love splattering our benches with paint for a special reason. With many artist friends who have studios, we discovered how important it is for our children to have the same freedom to be creative. This creates a vibrant and playful space where children can explore their creativity without worrying about messes. The colorful paint splatters hide any accidental spills, so the focus stays on having fun. We believe every child should feel free to learn and play without the concern of making a mess!
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