The heuristic game, theorized by the psycho -pedagogist Elinor Goldschmied, is an exploration and research activity that allows children to experience objects independently and to relate them to each other
The heuristic game It is an activity of great educational relevance, useful for supporting a motor, sensory and cognitive harmonious development in the little ones. The expression game heuristicwhich derives from the Greek term Heurìsko (“Discover”, “reaching the understanding of”), explains well the meaning of this type of game that allows children, in total autonomyto understand the functions and properties of objects.
In this article we will deepen the nature of the heuristic game, his benefits And the best age to start proposing it.
What is heuristic game? A definition
The heuristic game, For some time, widely widespread in the educational structures for early childhood, it has acquired in recent years, also thanks to its frequent association with the Montessori method, a greater fame also within the families. For this reason, parents often wonder What is the heuristic game and above all what benefits to contribute to the growth and education of children.
There Definition of heuristic game offered by his theoretical, the psycho -pedagogist Elinor Goldschmiedis that of aexploration and research activities which allows children, in total autonomy, through tests and errors, to experiment and relate a set of objects, thus investigating the properties and possible combinations.
Thanks to the heuristic game it is possible to offer an answer to Exploration needsmovement and concentration of which young children are carriers.
How to prepare a heuristic game?
As mentioned, the heuristic game It was formalized by Elinor Goldschmied, also theoretical of the well -known Treasure Tarningand, according to the same author, represents the natural evolution of the latter. The treasury basket is mainly aimed at children aged 6 to 12 months, whose exploratory activity is still focusing mostly on the understanding of the “What is this thing?”.
The heuristic game, compared to the treasury basket, turns to older children and requires ananalysis of greater complexitysince it induces to ask “what can I do with this thing?”. Furthermore, while the treasury basket consists of a collection of unique objects, the heuristic game involves the use of bags, each containing variants of the same object (different types of chains, curlers, caps and so on). All this allows the boy or girl not only to discover the exceptional variety of forms and quality that the same type of object can possess, but also to investigate the multiple ways in which different objects can completely autonomously can enter into relation to each other.
Let’s see now through some examples How to structure sessions Of heuristic game. First it will be necessary to create one Safe space and suitable for activitywithout distractions such as TV or other toys: a fundamental aspect to safeguard concentration and exploration activity.
After delimiting the space of the activity we can set up the area chosen for the game preparing the bags containing the objects selected for the session attractively for the boys or girl. At this point we can leave the child free to start their business of autonomous experimentationlimiting ourselves as much as possible to observe and not to interfere in its activity with advice or suggestions.
When the child has exhausted his interest (generally after 30-60 minutes) it will be possible to move on to reorganization phaseinvolving it in the procedure. Ask the boy or girl to correctly store each object in the appropriate cloth bag, without pressure or in a hurry, will thus become an integral part of the game.
A particularly interesting version of the game is the “treasures islands”. This proposal is suitable for children from 18 months (it is important that walking is an acquired competence) and requires the preparation of a setting with three “islands”, each formed by a selection of objects distributed on the floor around a tin jar (the “casket”).
How to choose the heuristic game objects?
Regardless of the chosen setting, the first step for the preparation of the activity consists in the choice of objects to be proposed. According to Elinor Goldschmied i materials perfect for the heuristic game They are commonly used objects, cultural artifacts and natural objects. The ideal would be to prepare a set of elements that can lend themselves to different uses, interactions and combinations.
Interesting examples of natural materials to be proposed are:
- Pigne;
- cork;
- pebbles;
- shells;
- feathers;
- dried fruit.
For Common use objects and cultural artifacts one might think of:
- kitchen utensils;
- keys;
- remnants of fabric;
- caps and lids;
- tin jars;
- chains;
- curlers;
- laundry clothespins.
Each category of objects will be collected in a special bag. A specimen of the type of objects could be sewn outside it, in order to quickly make the content quickly and simplify the reorganization procedures of children and adults.
What benefits do heuristic game brings?
Propose constantly to a child sessions of heuristic game It brings considerable benefits to its development and helps him to increase his skills. Through the spontaneous exploratory game Children not only perform a rich range of sensory experiences, but have the opportunity to determine their actions, to ask themselves about them (“What happens if I hit this object with this other?”) And to develop critical and divergent thinking.
In heuristic game there is no right or wrong way to act: children can experiment with the materials According to infinite combinations and the only “impossible” actions are those that the very nature of the objects prevents; For example, insert a sphere in a too narrow curley.
So what is the heuristic game for?
During a game session, children perform actions such as filling and emptying, lifting objects, moving them, inserting them, stacking them, putting elements in series, categorizing, taking decisions, solving problems. The heuristic game It therefore allows not only to reach goals on the level of the Movement development and coordinationbut also on the cognitive, sensory and concentration.
Heuristic game represents a real Natural development phase of children, who if left free experience the properties of commonly used objects and their possible combinations. Recognizing the importance of spontaneous exploratory game for the development of children and offering them abundant opportunities will help them increase their understanding of the world.
