Make Time To Play

Experts call this kind of play "exploratory". It is when children use their natural curiosity to seek out new experiences. Trial and error is a powerful way of learning. Parents can help children understand why something has happened and look at what could be done differently to achieve different results.

What do we mean?

Exploring new places
Treasure hunts
Taking things apart and trying to put them together again
Using toys in new ways
Adventures (in the park, the garden or around the house)
Visiting adventure playgrounds
Cooking
Conducting experiments

The bath is a perfect place to conduct experiments...see how much water different containers hold, or see which things float and which things sink!

Going exploring doesn't have to be a massive undertaking, just visit your local park or back garden. There will be lots of things to discover! Try taking a back pack with containers so your child can fill them with leaves and flowers that they find. You can make a new game using them when you get back. (see creative play)