What is Open Ended Play?

Open ended play is play directed at your child’s imagination. When left to their own devices, with a few simple heuristic items, children’s development moves ahead in giant steps. Open ended play is extremely important to your child’s growth. It usually involves objects that can be used in a variety of creative ways and the sky is the limit when they are encouraged to experiment and discover their place in the world.

Heuristic play does not put any expected pressure on your child but has the bonus of still being about creative learning and independence. It assists children to process the things they have learnt in their daily life and also assists with long-term memory. Who knew how playing with water, sand, blocks and play-doh can make such an impression on your child’s development.

Depending on how imaginative you are (and if you are not the imaginative type, have a look at the Play Time section of our website), you can easily set up a play station appropriate for your child’s age at the time. Some examples might be:

· Sensory playbox

· Building and Milestone Blocks

· Coloured feathers

· Crinkle fabric

· Wooden toys

· Play Doh

· Cardboard Boxes & empty bottles

· Small wooden cars

· Musical instruments

There are lots of ways you can set the opportunities for this kind of open-ended play. It’s important to allow your child to explore on their own - try not to micro-manage your child – let them play without your help, but of course ensure the heuristic play is done in a supervised environment. It may just mean you can be “in the wings” so to speak but not right in “the thick of things”.

Most importantly when encouraging the open ended play – you are simply the assistant in the creative crime – not the leader.

These are very special times in you and your child’s lifetime. Take time to enjoy these times and have fun.

We would love for you to browse the Jake + Co collection for the most unique and quality baby products. Whether you are seeking a gift for a baby shower, for a new Mum to be, or to treat your own special bundle of joy, we have a wide range of gorgeous baby products to suit all occasions.

Love,

Jake + Co