EDUCATION

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The Wonder of Heuristic Play

Heuristic (adjective): “enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves”

Would your child rather play with the box the toy came in than the new toy? Do they like to explore your keys, necklace, zip or any other everyday item they can get their hands on? If the answer is yes, then your child is engaging in heuristic play and the good news is, it’s great for their development!

The term “heuristic play” is about curiosity and exploration and describes the interaction of babies and children with everyday objects rather than toys. As children select, manipulate, explore and compare everyday items, they discover what the object can and can’t do, rather than being constrained to follow the prescribed function of a toy. Children are naturally curious and innovative and heuristic play offers them opportunities to explore and develop in a completely natural way. Heuristic play has many benefits for children’s learning and development. Heuristic play stimulates creativity and imagination, multiple senses and critical thinking. It supports gross motor skills and brain development as well as early mathematical conceptual learning and independence.

Nursery Manager Emma Gill at Shooting Stars in Barbourne, Worcester says: “We are always looking at ways we can improve the nursery and make the environment more inspiring for the children, which is why we promote heuristic play opportunities within our setting. We are continuously expanding our assorted collection of treasures, with the aim of aiding and stimulating play and providing a multisensory experience leading to deep and meaningful play. With robust risk assessments and supervision, heuristic resources provide endless opportunities for learning.”

Helen Dean, Nursery Manager ay Shooting Stars Bromsgrove says: “Natural and authentic resources adapt well from babies up to Pre-school, as the children find new ways to explore, combine and manipulate the objects as they develop and grow. Our staff team enjoy using their creativity to gather themed collections too, to deepen the children’s current interests, or to extend exploration of the seasons or cultural celebrations.”

Early Years Specialist Deborah Udakis, who recently provided bespoke consultancy and training workshops across all 7 of the Shooting Stars settings, appreciates the true value of heuristic play in an age where technology and toys dominate: “Today, children are surrounded by loud, colourful toys, and while these might be good at stimulating some of the senses, they tend to lack the sensory and heuristic properties critical for supporting creative thinking

and problem-solving skills.” She continues, “The mantra that “toys that do less, actually do more” is very relevant to heuristic play. It means that basic, everyday objects that we consider boring (or not toys) actually offer a world of possibilities for our children to learn.”

The staff team at Shooting Stars Nurseries offer a combination of heuristic opportunities and outdoor exploration alongside active play, singing and dancing, role play, mark making, playing socially, discovering technology and relaxation with a book to give your child a great balance and a rounded learning experience as they grow and develop. Shooting Stars Nurseries Area Manager Tracy Hedges, has some guidance for parents/ carers wishing to promote heuristic play at home. “The ‘treasure chest’ method is a simple way for parents/carers to provide more opportunities for open-ended discovery at home, without the hefty price tag of modern toys and technology. Simply fill a box or basket with an eclectic mix of ‘everyday’ objects from around the house or charity shops, in a mixture of different sizes, shapes, weights and textures. An egg box, a measuring spoon, a shower puff, a shaving brush, a sieve, curtain rings, a loofah, feathers, a pinecone or a shell... anything goes! Clear a space and offer the ‘treasure chest’ to your child to select, discover and explore objects for themselves. It is important that you supervise and keep a watchful eye (we all know young children love to explore with their mouths!) but don’t use verbal prompts, encourage or distract, so that your child can benefit from the freedom to explore on their own at their own pace. Once they’re satisfied, encourage them to replace all the items and remove the treasure chest ready to be used another time.”

As well as the ‘treasure chest’ method, Tracy also suggests wrapping up warm and taking your child outdoors to explore natural objects in the environment all year round. And if Santa Claus wants to do something a little different this year, “The festive period is the perfect time to start creating a collection of heuristic objects for your child and give them a gift to truly ignite their curiosity this Christmas.”

The Wonder of Heuristic Play

To arrange a tour of Shooting Stars Nurseries at 34 Stourbridge Rd, Bromsgrove or 15 Barbourne Terrace, Worcester, visit www.myshootingstars.com

Visit the Deborah Udakis Consultancy website at www.deborahudakis.co.uk

How a Scholarship Can Transform a Child’s Future

– including The Downs Malvern’s “sister school” Malvern College, with which it shares many resources.

“Our philosophy is that every child is a unique individual with gifts and talents that will enrich their lives and those of others,” says Headmaster Alastair Cook, “and we can help those gifts blossom whenever they join us. The children here also benefit from leadership opportunities – building on their confidence and people skills.

Age 11 is a key time in every child’s education as it usually marks the transition to senior school. For many children, it’s a massive leap: will the new, often much larger school nurture their talents, in whatever direction they lie… or will they feel anonymous?

For parents who feel their child would blossom in an environment with smaller classes, excellent resources and specialist teachers, The Downs Malvern offers 11+ scholarships in Academic Achievement, Art, Sports, Music and Drama. Joining The Downs Malvern at that stage means their two-year experience at the school will bring their talents to the fore through enjoying a superb all-round education. This will also enhance their chances of moving onto a senior school of their choice “Each child leaves us having accelerated their education and as a well-rounded young person. Many pupils go on to excel at top schools around the country: the school is proud of our 100% success rate of children attaining their desired school, many winning scholarships.”

To find out how your child could realise their full potential, contact the Registrar, Mrs Katherine Cox (01684) 544108 registrar@thedownsmalvern.org.uk

Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre

Adept at teaching across both the primary and secondary phase, supports an effective transition from Year 6 through to Year 7. Within the primary phase, students receive specialist teaching from senior staff in PE, music, French and art, as well as some subject specialism within each year group in Key stage 2. Sixth Form students benefit from small tuition groups, with many opportunities to develop leadership skills within the main school, as well as receiving individual support with their UCAS applications.

A through school, students undertake their school journey under one roof, joining from Reception or any other year group, they are assured of a warm welcome into the Holy Trinity family. A broad curriculum, the school values the world of academia, but equally the creative arts and PE, as the skills and attributes developed in these subjects help students to become well-rounded individuals. With a swimming pool on site, all students learn to swim as part of the curriculum provision, and in doing so, develop an essential life skill.

All student applications are to be made via Worcestershire County Council and for further information please call the Head’s PA Mrs Roth on 01562 822929 or email: karen.roth@holytrinity.co.uk

ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2022

Reception / Year 7 / Year 12

For all admission enquiries please email: karen.roth@holytrinity.co.uk

Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre

Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 2BY Telephone 01562 822929 | Email: office@holytrinity.co.uk www.holytrinity.co.uk

Open 7.45am to 5.15pm