Natural items have much more to offer than plastic items. They have different textures and weights. Some are very smooth, like sanded and polished wood or stones. Some are slightly rougher like un-treated wood or sticks with bark on. Wood is warmer to touch than say metal items. The tins in these pictures will feel much colder that the wooden items. Stones will feel heavier to lift than rattan balls.
Each item is unique. They make different sounds when knocked together. Many will taste or smell interesting. It is often nice to add herbs in a piece of thin cloth and tie it up with string.
Many items can be gathered easily from around the house. Some I have bought from pound shops or other cheap stores. I have even collected bits form car boot sales and charity shops. Once they have been well cleaned they can make great additions to a Treasure basket and for very little cost!
- Communication and Language
- Understanding of the World
- Physical Development