Sustainability with play materials
How we use Sneaky Sustainability at PlayGroup and tips for home:
At PlayGroup, we’re always on the lookout for items we can add to the rotation of our Treasure Box. We provide a Treasure Box during groups, to give children a sense of control. We tell the children, “teaches aren’t in control of the box, you are!” This brings a great time for children to create their own rules, have control and negotiate with peers.
But how do we keep that Treasure Box full? We’ll snag used books from stoop sales, art supplies from co-ops, and outgrown items from family friends. We pay particular attention to tactile details and love to find things like wooden blocks, plastic magnetic tiles, and fuzzy puppets. Often these are available in partial sets, which are perfect for mix-and-match creations! We’ll even scope out nature for great finds, like a perfectly weighted rock or satisfyingly rough tree bark—and even the garbage can deliver magic, particularly on recycling day! You can try this at home too:
Create your own Treasure Box (or shelf). This does not have to be Pinterest-worthy! Although, you can absolutely go wild (with sustainable materials), if that’s your thing. The important element is to have a contained space that you can use for rotating items in a consistent location where your child can find them.
Put a few things in the Treasure Box for your child to explore. Encourage them to investigate each item. What does it feel like? What are the shapes? Can we build a structure? Invent a device? Create a character? Observe which things they gravitate toward, and which things they ignore. Is there a common thread with the things that interest them?
Rotate the Treasures! Keeping fewer items in the box and rotating frequently will help keep interest high even with items that might otherwise seem mundane. Also note: some kids can become anxious when things “disappear.” If this is your kid’s experience, show them “behind the curtain.” Let them know where you store the Treasure Box items when they are not in use, and assure your child that when things are rotated, they are not lost.
Have fun creating your own Treasure Boxes at home!
