Heuristic Play: Simple, Impactful Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
- Definition: Heuristic play is a type of play where babies and toddlers explore everyday items, fostering independence and discovery.
- Age Group: Primarily for babies and young toddlers, adaptable to early preschool years.
- Origin: Created by educationalist Elinor Goldschmied and coined from the Greek word “Heurisko,” meaning “to find, discover, and meet.”
Key Points
Heuristic play offers young children their first chance to learn about everyday objects. Through play and exploration, children will build an understanding of items they will use for the rest of their lives.
As a developmental therapist with 12 years of experience in classrooms and homes, I’ve witnessed the impact of heuristic play. My interest in heuristic play stems from understanding its origin, benefits, and simplicity. I’m excited to share more with you.
Definition
Heuristic play is a type of play where babies and toddlers explore everyday items, fostering independence and discovery.
In heuristic play sessions, children engage their senses and manipulate objects to make sense of their world. The goal is to nurture a child’s independence, as “Heurisko,” a Greek word, means “to find, discover, and meet.” Learn more about the origin of heuristic play.
Although created for babies and young toddlers, heuristic play can extend into early preschool years, evolving into more complex loose parts play as children grow.
What Does Heuristic Play Look Like?
Heuristic play is babies and toddlers engaging in hands-on exploration of a curated basket of objects.
During play, you’ll witness children holding or mouthing objects, shaking them to discover sounds, and discovering how objects fit together. The focus is on self-directed discovery and sensory exploration. It’s simple, but it’s powerful.
There is no “right way” to do heuristic play. The original principles provide guidance, but I believe adults should be flexible, meeting each child’s needs/interests.
Heuristic Play Materials
Nature Objects
- Pine cones
- Loofahs
- Shells
- Feathers
- Stones
- Wood cookies
Household Objects
- Wooden spoons
- Metal whisks
- Metal bowls
- Ribbons
- Shower curtain rings
- Fabric squares
- Wood spools
- Brushes
- Combs
- Cork coasters
- Jar lids
- Cardboard tubes
Heuristic Play Activities
Here are some practical examples and activities to easily incorporate into routines, focusing on heuristic play:
Nature Play
Heuristic play can take place indoors or outdoors. But I do love the idea of using heuristic play to bring nature play inside. Offer nature objects such as pine cones, feathers, or stones. Explore the list above for ideas.
Themed Rooms Exploration
Explore different themed rooms with specific objects.
Free Resource: Loose Parts List: Household Objects PDF
Loose Parts
Choose a collection of loose parts from your classroom and present them in an eye-catching way. Create a loose theme around color, textures, and or shapes. Discover more loose parts ideas here.
Note: Always supervise closely during play, inspect items for safety, and choose objects you feel comfortable offering your child. The listed items are suggestions for inspiration.
History
Elinor Goldschmied, an educationalist and social worker, pioneered the concept of treasure baskets to provide safe, independent play for very young children. This involved presenting household items to children in shallow baskets. The idea evolved into heuristic play, a more structured play session guided by principles.
Both treasure basket and heuristic play arose from Goldschmied’s work with single mothers and children in orphanages, seeking to provide safe play materials and nurture relationships between children and caregivers.
The concept of heuristic play was eventually published in the 1994 book People Under Three, which Goldschmied coauthored with Professor Sonia Jackson.
5 Principles of Heuristic Play
Play sessions are structured using 5 principles.
#1 TYPE OF EQUIPMENT: Choose everyday objects or cultural artifacts in a variety of materials such as wood, metal, fabric, and stone.
#2 ROLE OF ADULT: Observe play from a distance where you can supervise and intervene when necessary.
#3 TIMING OF PLAY: Choose play times when children are fed, rested, and emotionally ready to play.
#4 SETTING UP: Arrange the play area away from noise and distractions, allowing children to explore uninterrupted.
#5 AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE MATERIALS: Provide enough materials so that multiple children can play independently at the same time without needing to take turns.
Rooted in one woman’s persistence to offer meaningful learning experiences for babies and toddlers, heuristic play is today an easy, powerful way to introduce everyday objects to children.
Delve deeper into the benefits of heuristic play or explore other forms of play, such as loose parts or container play.
Get a fascinating but brief introduction to all types of play in early childhood in my ultimate play guide.
