Here's the page from my book (Multicultural Activities for pre-school Children) about them..... happy to share!
They don't have to be expensive (I make up mine from car boots and charity shops and store in those washing net bags (2 for a £1 at the pound shop))
Treasure baskets for babies ‘Sensory motor experiences and abilities are a primary source of information and knowledge for under threes’ nGoswami 1999
Treasure baskets give children opportunities to think of places that they have visited, extend vocabulary, recall events, lead to other activities, collage etc. The secret is to remember that children learn more if they use all their senses, not just sight. Try to include a variety for each of the senses in each collection. Once you start these baskets, the children will suggest more and you will be able to use your imagination and ingenuity when filling them
It is a lovely idea to introduce a treasure basket that reflects the interests or cultures of the children using it….
•African child - resource some brightly coloured and textured materials, lemon balm leaves, dice pebbles, pottery bowl, string of beads, African animal dominoes
•Chinese child - provide traditional cooking and serving dishes, chopsticks, a small lantern, dragon, metal lotus flower, peach scent, Chinese knot, lychee
•Outdoors child – smooth twigs, conkers, bark, feathers, magnifying glass, large pebbles, wooden toys, blocks, organic cotton cloth, leather
•British child – coloured ribbons, velvet powder puff, washing-up brush, wooden egg cup, lavender bag, mini car, small world British animals
•Indian child – Tiffin box (lunch box), balti dishes, scented pillows containing traditional cooking ingredients, wooden donkey, god or goddess figure, cloth doll, terracotta bowl
•Buddhist child – a small Buddha, some smells of joss sticks impregnated in the material, beads, metal Mandala, carved elephant
•Caribbean child – dried corn on the cob, woolly Rasta hat, closed tins containing rice or beans, piece of rattan matting
•All children love music – castanet, rainmaker, bells, shaker, wooden spoons, plug and chain, wooden rattle, tinfoil, bubble wrap
•Partially sighted or blind child – scent bags, dried or fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme or cloves are good to start with), citrus fruit, avocado pear stone, garlic
•Christmas treasure basket - dried oranges and lemons, voile bags of cinnamon sticks or sandpaper shapes rubbed with cinnamon, a clean pine cone, large bells, velvet, holographic foil wrapping paper, something fluffy, pine cones, crinkly paper tied up in a clean colourful piece of fabric things that can’t be choked on, wooly pompoms in Christmassy colours and some sparkly yarn (short lengths only)
Speak to the parents and get their help sourcing materials, so the basket truly reflects the background of the child who will be using it and show parents you value and respect their heritage at the same time. Also if a child in the setting adds something that is important to them, it enables everyone to contribute and feel valued
Tips for using treasure baskets
•Choose a time when your child is alert and there is enough time so that the activity is not rushed
•Seat your child comfortably, to allow easy access to the basket
•Sit close enough to deal with any problems but not so close that you interfere with the child’s activity
•Try not to break the child’s concentration or thought process by interrupting or trying to help unless you have to interact for safety reasons
•Check the contents of the basket regularly, cleaning objects and removing anything damaged
•Change and rotate the contents of the basket from time to time or when interest wanes
Goes on a bit sorry!! Sarahx
