Be inspired to bring open ended play with new materials into your stay and pay setting.
Whilst it may feel daunting to disrupt your usual play and stay format the benefits are many. Through sustained engagement with high quality makers and materials we have seen positive transformation in skills, confidence and relationships for both parents and children.
In each setting we have worked in partnership with staff to create a safe space where families are able to try new things and where experimentation and risk are possible.
5 key things we’ve learnt
- An empty workspace where the focus is just on the materials works best to avoid children being distracted by the existing toys.
However, sometimes specific toys can be ‘a way in’ for children to engage with a material e.g. making a road for a car using clay. - Choose a material and processes that lend themselves to play. Over the years we have worked with clay, metal, plastics, textiles and willow. The materials can be explored in different states and worked with in different ways.
- Focusing on one material at a time means that families can really explore it in different ways.
- Revisiting the same, tools and materials over a number of weeks had the greatest impact.
- Artists, staff or volunteers modelling playful exploration with the materials can help families to feel more confident, to take risks and to notice new things about each other.
What else can you do?
- Get inspiration from our project case studies.
- We’ll be adding more resources and activities to try in early 2023.
- Contact us for more information.
- Follow our projects on social media.
