How do your children like to play? One approach you might want to consider is open-ended play, which allows children to explore playtime with no “right” or “wrong” set outcomes. But how does it work and what are the benefits? The experts at educational toystore, TickiT, tell us more.
What is open-ended play?
Open-ended play allows children to use their full imagination during play. Unlike a character toy, puzzle or board game, open-ended play is child-led and has no pre-determined direction.
This can inspire a child’s creativity, promotes their descriptive language skills, boosts confidence and allows them to learn at their own pace.
You can introduce specific playtime tools, such as TickiT’s Wooden Treasures , Heuristic play items and Architect sets, but even every-day household objects work great, such as cardboard tubes, keys, wooden spoons or natural objects such as fir cones, acorns and seashells.
Shop open-ended play sets with TickiT How to set your child up for open-ended play
The best way to encourage open-ended play is to present a child with a few items at a time so it does not become overwhelming.
Ensure resources are easily accessible to your child so they can dip in and out of play when they feel inspired. A low-level table or placing a tray on the floor containing a few play items is a great way to start.
Follow their lead and ask open-ended questions and accept that objects will be used in ways adults would not rationally put together. For example, the TickiT Wooden Columns are designed to complement the Wooden Architect range , however to a child they may be people, trees, swords or a hammer and screwdriver.
Our favourite children’s toys for open-ended play
The team at TickiT HQ are passionate about child-led, open-ended play and have designed and developed a wide range of resources to help you support this.
The Wooden Treasures sets are ideal for children ages 3+. All pieces have been inspired by nature. They are tactile, smooth and compelling. They are perfect for soothing, mindful activities such as pattern making and scene building.
These shape sets come in rainbow and natural wood finishes. They are perfect for building imaginative constructions, discovering early maths concepts such as shape and size through play and for small world play.
The word heuristic comes from the Greek word eurisko meaning ‘I discover’. It is used to describe an instinctive way of meeting challenges and problem-solving naturally through play. Heuristic items are objects not traditionally thought of as toys for young children that will feed their curiosity and desire to explore the objects that make up the world around them.
To find out more about open-ended play, or to shop educational toys from TickiT, visit the website.
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Henrietta Norton
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