Object play

Humans depend greatly on the skilful use of objects for their survival. Children’s play with objects develops hand eye coordination, handling and problem solving skills.

Object play takes many forms. Babies mouth, investigate and drop objects. Toddlers use objects to stand for other things as they begin to symbolise. They can be replicas of real objects, but open ended objects are valuable as they encourage children to use their ever increasing imaginations to invent and try out new combinations and possibilities.  Blocks have a particularly useful role to play in inventing scenarios and solving problems.