0mo–11mo10 minFree playFamily timeQuiet time
Pairs and Singles Treasure Basket
A supervised treasure-basket exploration where you offers your child one item, then a matching pair (or trio), helping your child notice ‘one’ vs ‘two’ and explore sameness through safe objects.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a shallow basket or sturdy container (no sharp edges)
- 1 single safe object (large, smooth, and not a choking hazard), e.g., a large ball or big plastic cup
- 2 matching safe objects (a pair), e.g., 2 wooden spoons or 2 clean socks
Nice to have
- 3 matching safe objects (a trio), e.g., 3 large plastic lids
- a small cloth or muslin (for a brief cover-and-reveal moment)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneNotices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneReacts to disappearanceMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneHolds one object in each handBody· 4mo–10mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneFinds a visibly hidden objectMind· 7mo–14mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSearches for disappeared objectMind· 6mo–12mo· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Notices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has some understanding that things exist, even when out of sight.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide a small group of the same objects in treasure baskets, as well as single items, e.g. two fir cones or three shells.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)