Open ended toys are not new to us! Age-old method, when we talk about children's play. When I give a set of toy to LO, he plays with that for sometime (like the way in which it should be played) and soon we can find him in a completely different play with the same set of toy. Kids don't have preconceived notions about how they should play with a toy/game until we tell them so. And this is how the kid's brain are designed I think. Creative, Exploring and Imaginative! Open ended play encourages child's problem solving skills and decision making.
LO and his cousins mostly spend time with animal toys and pretend play. Open ended toys are not new to them. But then I had these pebbles and so wanted to setup this nature play activity! Along with the pebbles I added Nature's loose parts like sticks, leaves of dragon money plant and sand. The kids brought in some animal toys on their part (They can't play any game without animal toys!). This is a no-setup activity but I wouldn't say mess free!! Be ready to protect your floor as this is an open ended play, surprises are to be expected!😆
