Somer Valley Children’s Centre Services

A guide to Treasure Baskets

If you would like more copies of this leaflet, want more information, or would like a copy of any of the another

leaflets in this series, please contact Somer Valley Children’s Services on 01225 396660.

This leaflet can be made available in a range of

languages, in large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats from

Tel: 0800 073 1214 or Textphone: 07980 998906

Watch out for….. 1. Always keep a careful eye on your child. 2. Create a safe place for your child to play (e.g.

check regularly for broken toys, sharp edges and small objects that can be swallowed).

Key Messages 1. Have fun playing together! 2. Babies and children need to play - it’s how they learn

about our world. 3. Talk with your baby or child while you play - it will help

them learn to talk to you. 4. Watch and listen to your baby or child - let them lead the

play. 5. Don’t worry if your baby or child only plays for a short

time, it will still have been a positive experience.

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working together for health & well-being

What can I use? • Fill the basket with objects—

the fuller the better. • Try to include items that can

be explored with all your sens-es; smell, taste, sound, touch and sight.

• A basket could contain; shells, feathers, pebbles, corks,

cardboard tubes, nail brush, hair brush, spoons, pegs, tin lids, whisk, different fabrics and other household equipment.

What is a Treasure Basket

• A treasure basket is a collection of everyday objects and materials for babies to play with.

• Babies learn by looking, touching, sucking, licking, banging, and picking up and dropping.

• It gives babies the chance to explore and decide for them selves what they want to play with. • Babies curiosity about the contents of the treasure basket often means that they will concentrate for longer and longer periods of time.

Stay Safe

• Babies often want to put everything in their mouths. Make sure everything you choose for the basket is safe. • Do not include items that could

be easily broken or choked on. • Watch out for items that have

small parts. • Check the contents of the basket regularly, cleaning objects and removing any damaged items.

Playing together… • Make sure your baby is seated comfortably and safely, with cushions for support if necessary.

• Give your baby time to lead the play sit nearby and watch to give your baby confidence.

• Let your baby choose the items ra-ther than passing things to them.

• Let them play for as long as they want with their chosen item rather than trying to encourage them to look at other things.

Treasure Baskets