Story Play

Why Story Play?

Sharing stories with your baby helps them:

• Develop language and listening skills

• Build memory and imagination

• Feel connected through your voice and expressions

• Explore emotions, sounds, and rhythm

• Start a lifelong love of books!

Story play turns books into real-life fun - no special toys needed!

Simple Story Play Ideas

1. Use Everyday Objects as Story Props

Turn common items into story characters or props!

• Wooden spoons or soft toys → characters (like Goldilocks and the Three Bears)

• Blankets or boxes → bear beds or houses

Tip: Use different voices for each character - babies love your expression and tone.

2. Puppets and Soft Toys

Even the youngest babies enjoy puppets moving and “talking.”

• Use finger puppets, socks, or soft toys.

• Move them slowly, close to baby’s face.

• Let baby reach, touch, or grab while you narrate.

3. Sensory Story Baskets

Make a small basket with safe items related to a story.

Example: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

• 3 bowls (small, medium, big)

• 3 spoons

• Soft toy bears

• Piece of fabric for a blanket

Let baby explore while you tell the story. Touching and exploring helps them link words to real-world objects.

4. Story Time Sounds

Add sound effects with your voice or simple instruments:

• Rattle for footsteps

• Wooden spoon tapping for knocking on a door

• Shaker for wind or rustling leaves

 Talk, Sing, and Smile!

Story play is about connection, not performance.
You can: Talk about the pictures in a book, sing the story or just read the story.

The sound of your voice is your baby’s favourite story!

Safety Tips

• Use large, safe objects (no small parts).

• Always supervise story baskets and props.

Try These Story Play Ideas:

• “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” – bowls, spoons, teddies

• “Dear Zoo” – soft toy animals and boxes

• Nursery rhymes – puppets or simple props for each rhyme

Story play helps your baby build a love for books - and for learning through play! Keep it short, fun, and full of smiles.

Sensory Play

Why sensory play matters

Sensory play helps babies:

• Build brain connections

• Develop fine and gross motor skills

• Learn about textures, sounds, colors, and cause & effect

• Support language and curiosity

You don’t need fancy toys - just safe, everyday items!

 Homemade Shakers

Great for ages 3 months+ (with supervision)

You’ll need:

• Empty plastic bottles, small tubs, or clean spice jars

• Fillings such as:

• Dried rice, lentils, pasta, or beans

• Bells or buttons (for visual shakers only - glue lids securely)

To make:

1.    Fill bottle about ¼ full with your chosen material.

2.    Superglue or tightly tape the lid closed.

3.    Shake, roll, tap, and explore the sounds together!

Tips:

• Use different materials to compare soft vs. loud sounds.

• Encourage baby to reach, grasp, or track the shaker with their eyes.

Explorer / Sensory Bottles

Fun for tummy time or visual play

You’ll need:

• Clear plastic bottle

• Water, baby oil, or clear hair gel as a base

• Add-ins: glitter, beads, food coloring, sequins, small pom-poms, or foil shapes

To make:

1.    Fill the bottle ¾ full with your base liquid.

2.    Add colorful items.

3.    Securely glue or tape lid shut.

4.    Roll, tip, and watch the movement together.

Variations:

• 🌊 Ocean Bottle: Blue water + small sea creature toys.

• 🌈 Rainbow Bottle: Layers of colored rice or water beads (for visual use only).

• ❄️ Calm Bottle: Clear gel + silver glitter for a soothing slow swirl.

Other Easy Sensory Ideas

• Texture basket: Collect safe items (soft cloth, wooden spoon, cool spoon, crinkly paper).

• Water play: Splashing in a shallow bowl or highchair tray (supervised at all times).

• Nature exploration: Feel grass, leaves, sand, or smooth stones outdoors.

• Mess-free painting: Place paint inside a sealed plastic bag taped to a highchair tray for squishy color fun.

Safety Reminders

• Always supervise play.

• Check containers are sealed tightly.

• Avoid small parts that could be swallowed.

• Stop if baby seems tired or overstimulated.

Water Play

Why Water Play?

Water play:

• Helps babies develop coordination and strength

• Encourages language, curiosity, and sensory awareness

• Is calming and fun!

You don’t need a paddling pool - just a bowl, a tray, or the bath!

Easy Water Play Ideas

1. Splash & Explore

Use a shallow tub, washing-up bowl, or highchair tray.
Add a small amount of warm water and:

• Plastic cups, spoons, funnels, or sieves

• Sponges or cloths to squeeze

• Floating bath toys or plastic lids

Talk about what’s happening:

“Splash splash!”
“You made bubbles!”
“The cup is full!”

2. Coloured Water Fun

Add a drop of food colouring to the water (optional).
Let baby watch as colours mix — use safe spoons to stir.
You can also add a few ice cubes and watch them melt.

3. Sink or Float Game

Show baby how some items float and others sink.
Try plastic spoons, soft balls, corks, or metal lids.
Let baby splash and reach while you name what’s happening.

4. Bubble Play

Add a drop of baby bubble bath and whisk up foam!
Use hands or small toys to scoop and pat bubbles.
Babies love the texture and sound.

5. Pouring & Filling

Offer lightweight cups or empty yogurt pots.
Show baby how to fill and tip them over.
This builds hand–eye coordination and grasping skills.

6. Outdoor Water Fun (Weather permitting!)

• Use a large tub or baby pool in the shade.

• Add cups, watering cans, and toy animals.

• Try “washing” toys, fruit, or socks with a sponge.

Always keep baby within arm’s reach — never leave them unattended near water.

Safety First

• Constant adult supervision — even a few centimetres of water can be dangerous.

• Use warm (not hot) water.

• Empty containers immediately after play.

• Dry baby thoroughly and keep them warm afterward.

Water play is all about exploring- just enjoy splashing together!

Treasure Baskets

What is a Treasure Basket?

A treasure basket is a simple collection of everyday objects, specially chosen to stimulate your baby’s senses and support their early development. Treasure baskets are ideal for babies who can sit up but aren’t yet mobile (typically 6–12 months).

It’s all about letting babies explore at their own pace-using touch, taste, smell, sight and sound to discover the world.

Why Are Treasure Baskets So Beneficial?

Treasure baskets might look simple, but they’re packed with learning opportunities. Here’s what they support:

• Sensory Development – Different textures, shapes, and materials.

• Fine Motor Skills – Picking up, holding, and exploring objects develops hand-eye coordination.

• Concentration & Focus – Babies learn to focus for longer periods.

• Decision-Making – Choosing what to explore first encourages independence.

• Language Development – Naming and talking about items builds vocabulary.

What Can You Put in a Treasure Basket?

Think safe, natural, and interesting to touch, smell, or listen to. Avoid plastic where possible and always supervise your baby. Here are some ideas:

Natural Materials:

• Wooden spoons

• Pinecones (check for sharp bits!)

• Loofahs or natural sponges

• Large shells

Household Items:

• Metal whisk or egg cup

• Wooden napkin ring

• Soft hairbrush

• Fabric scraps (silk, velvet, denim)

• Sensory Items:

  • Scented herbs in a fabric pouch (e.g. lavender)

  • Crinkly paper or foil

  • Large feather (check it’s clean)

  • Small bells inside a sealed container

  Always Avoid:

  -     Small items that could be swallowed

  -    Sharp or breakable objects

  -    Anything with loose parts or batteries

  How to Use a Treasure Basket

  • Set the scene: Sit on the floor with your baby in a quiet, calm space. Place the basket in front of them.

  • Let them lead: There’s no ‘right way’ to play—allow your baby to explore freely.

  • Stay close: Supervise closely but let your baby learn through self-discovery.

  • Talk together: Use simple language. Tell your baby what the items are or how they feel. "That’s a shiny spoon," or "Can you feel the soft feather?"

  • Keep it Fresh: Rotate items every few weeks to keep the experience interesting.

  Final Tips

  • Keep your basket low to the ground and easily accessible.

  • Store objects in a sturdy, shallow basket-not too full, so babies can easily see and grab.

  • Think quality over quantity-even 5–10 items can offer rich play.

  • Enjoy watching your baby learn through simple, natural exploration!

  Treasure baskets turn ordinary objects into extraordinary learning. You don’t need expensive toys- just time, attention, and a basket full of curiosity!