Treasure basket play - should parents join in?

When talking about treasure baskets in my setting parents often ask me whether treasure basket play should be a shared experience.  Whilst it’s important to supervise your child whilst they are exploring real life materials, children should be given the opportunity to explore them at their own pace.

Your role, as the adult, is to step back and allow your baby to explore the objects. Look on near by and be attentive but don’t interfere with
their play, allow them to come to you and bring objects to you. It may feel like you are doing nothing, but in fact, you are giving your baby a rich, stimulating and exciting experience that will help develop their confidence, concentration and understanding of the world around them. Follow your child’s lead!