what things do your lo's have in there palyhouse?

[robinredbreast]

i was thinking of a little play kitchen ?

but wondered whay yours have in theres ?

[briarrose]

Hi there,

ooh I love this question! I've got 2 dc, and worked in early years for 10 years, am currently studying to become a teacher. I really don't believe too much in giving kids cutesy plastic pretend toys. Don't get me wrong, some are essential, play food etc. Have you ever come across treasure baskets? They are an idea based around giving babies and children natural items, safe but commonly found around the home; sponges, pine cones, lots of wood and natural products. It is supposed to be very sensory and stimulating for the child. I used to compile treasure baskets for older children (pre-school) when I worked in a nursery, using a wicker washing basket filled with safe but disused household stuff; telephones (cords removed), computer keyboard, washing up brushes (clean/new!) pegs, mobile phones, stereo headphones, the list is really endless, as long as they are not a big safety hazard.
As I say, some kitchen, play corner stuff is nice, but I tend to think that a lot of the toys on shelves at the moment are too big, soft, plasticky and so far removed from what they actually represent that the child won't learn from that toy!
hope that helps, it's something i'm really enthusiastic about!

[Sprogstersmum]

We've got a kitchen (ELC plastic one) a deck chair, a couple of rugs and cushions.

[BettySpaghetti]

blackboard on the wall
play shop with plastic food, tins and packets
box of sticklebricks
a few noisy things (that are too loud for indoors) eg. noisy books, electronic guitar
small table and 2 chairs
old bedside cupboard and small shelves for storage

[Poppychick]

pegs, clothes and a washing line??

Love the treasure baskets idea but sounds like you'd need to be a hoarder and I'm definately not!!!

Bit of empty food packaging maybe for shop type games.

Various bags / purses.