Exploratory play – Jamie and Megan – 2 yrs 5 mths

Two two year olds girls are playing at home with a range of loose parts. They are general household objects and there are multiples of most of the objects. The haven't spent time together since they were 7 months old. Mum and grandma are in the room.

Good for looking at

• Exploratory play
• Heuristic play
• Loose parts play
• Associative play
• Object play
• Creativity
• Cognitive development
• Physical development
• Socialising

   

Children will follow patterns of interest and enjoy the sheer sensation of materials. At this age/stage other characteristics become apparent. They begin to explore in a more deliberate, experimental way to see ‘what happens if’ and persevere sometimes in relatively long sequences of working out what can be done with the given materials. A rich array of materials links into young children’s growing construction and craft skills. Two to three year olds tend to explore together more, imitate each other and begin to co-operate.

Notice

• How two children play and interact with a range of materials, multiples of household objects. Look out for non-verbal as well as verbal communication.

Children will follow patterns of interest and enjoy the sheer sensation of materials. Other characteristics become apparent. They begin to explore in a more deliberate, experimental way to see ‘what happens if’ and persevere sometimes in relatively long sequences of working out what can be done with the given materials. A rich array of materials links into young children’s growing construction and craft skills. Two to three year olds tend to explore together more, imitate each other and begin to co-operate.