EXPLORATORY PLAY

 

What is Exploratory Play?

A child will explore objects and toys using all their senses. This helps them to understand the world around them. The child should have access to a range of toys and everyday objects which are of interest to them. Observe how they play and if necessary demonstrate how to use the objects appropriately. Show them how to use objects in real situations e.g. give them a spoon to hold while they are feeding. Let the child explore and take the lead; your role should be to extend and guide their play. Activities should be adapted if the child has physical and/or sensory difficulties. Toys must provide experiences of looking, listening, feeling, smelling and tasting.

 

Exploratory Play Activity Ideas:

• Messy Play- Encourage the child to explore food based items such as jelly, beans or spaghetti through touch, taste and smell.
• Texture Play- Explore lots of different textures including sand, water, play doh or shaving foam.
• Noise Making- Use musical instruments and shakers to explore sounds.
• Treasure Boxes- Encourage the child to explore ‘treasure boxes’ filled with natural objects such as shells, wood, pine cones, leaves etc.
• Object Feely Bags- Encourage the child to explore a ‘feely bag’ containing items of different sizes, colours, shapes, smells and textures.

 

Other resources can include:

Mobiles

Touch and feel books

Balls