By providing children with opportunities to explore objects freely, with little adult intervention, practitioners and parents enable young children to collect the information needed to identify and later name objects. As well as enjoyable discovery, a young child will repeat the action several times to test the result, which strengthens cognitive development as well as fine muscle control and hand/eye coordination.

Along with the treasure basket, heuristic play was one Elinor Goldschmied's most innovative ideas. This online content will be of interest to anyone working with children aged under two, and clearly shows that children have a natural curiosity. Set in four city nurseries, this ever popular film illustrates that providing children with the opportunity to play with everyday objects can enhance their concentration and their understanding of the world around them.