Too often we forget that the simplest things can cause great excitement and joy for young children. Like baking paper… late yesterday afternoon I was talking on the phone to a friend when Immy started raiding the kitchen drawers. She has a drawer of her own, full of utensils and mini pots and pans and other bits and pieces, but on this occasion she decided to explore the drawer in which I keep the tea towels, tin foil, plastic wrap and baking paper.
Off she ran with the baking paper, leaving it streaming out of the box as she went. I tore a piece off for her and at first she delighted in screwing it up, loving the crackling, crunching noises. Then she ran around the house dragging it along behind her.
This morning she discovered the piece of baking paper again but this time the joy was in jumping on it. At fifteen months she is loving jumping, not that she really gets much height off the ground!
This one piece of baking paper has resulted in two different play experiences, each time she has been busy for at least 10 minutes. That is longer than many of her commercial toys keep her occupied for.
What simple un-toys do your children love to play with?
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
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