ABSTRACT
In the early 1980s when Elinor Goldschmied gave the exploratory play the name of Heuristic Play, it was to give shape and meaning to the perplexing activity of toddlers, when they handled objects and toys. Although 2-year-olds love to play imaginatively, to imitate domestic life and to play around with their rapidly developing language and physical skills, there is also a place and time for them to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet afforded by Heuristic Play sessions. In November 2012 the TVR team from the University of Roehampton filmed a complete Heuristic Play session. This unedited film can be found in the Froebel Trust Archive and edited footage can be seen in the DVD, Discovered Treasure. This chapter presents two case studies: Heuristic Play session at Eastwood Nursery with 3- to 4-year-olds; Two Heuristic Play sessions at Barnkids Nursery with two- to three-year-olds.
