With Easter holidays coming up, and possibly spending more time at home, this could be the perfect time to create a treasure basket for your little one. What is a treasure basket and how do you make it at home?
A treasure basket consists of a collection of interesting natural and household objects put together to give your baby a safe yet intriguing range of objects to explore which will help them develop their five senses. They are recommended for babies who are able to sit up on their own and that show eagerness to explore their environment.
The Treasure Basket and the Montessori Method
Although the treasure basket was not invented by Maria Montessori, it is fully part of Montessori education. In fact, her philosophy is all about how a child needs to be trained and that this training comes from allowing them to explore the environment which surrounds them, specifically prepared by their guardians.
The Treasure Basket and the Development of the Five Senses
The treasure basket allows little ones to go on a wonderful journey that will lead them to learn more and more about the five senses. These are the types of objects that will allow them to develop their senses.
- Sight: objects of different colour, size, and brightness
- Touch: objects that differ in shape, weight, texture, and material
- Sound: objects that rattle or ring
- Smell: through different smells
- Taste: even if in a reduced way it is possible to introduce it
What Should You Put in a Treasure Basket?
In the basket include objects which adults commonly use but which help little ones develop all five senses safely.
Here are a few tips for making a great treasure basket:
- Stick to natural materials such as fabrics, metal, and wood.
- Keep it simple with a minimal number of objects.
- Keep it safe with no loose, small or sharp objects.
- Keep it practical by including real life tools and items that your little one already sees in your environment.
Stuck on ideas of what you can include? Here are a couple of ideas:
- Natural items: pine cones, shells, flowers, wicker balls
- Wooden items: wooden shapes, rattles, blocks, small crates
- Metal items: whisks, measuring cups, contains, spoons, keys
- Colourful items: sponges, foam letters, lids
Ideally the basket should be made of wicker, without handles and flat so that the child can browse around freely. It should be well assorted, and varied. It’s also a good idea to change the items frequently to always keep it interesting.
The Role of the Parent
Since the idea of the basket is to let babies discover these objects on their own without intervention or instructions from adults, sit back while your little one manipulates the object however they see fit, even if it might not be the intended use. Sit close enough for them to be reassured by your presence, but don’t distract them by talking to them or offering other objects; simply interact only when they show you an object themselves.
Will you be giving this treasure basket a go?
