Hidden Treasures Discovery Tray: Invitation to Play

Hidden Treasures Discovery Tray

Play Invitation, Planning & Printable Resources

Turn a simple tray of natural materials into an invitation to search, discover, investigate and wonder. Hidden Treasures encourages children to slow down and look a little closer, searching amongst leaves, bark, moss and other woodland materials to uncover the treasures hidden within. Rather than directing children towards a particular outcome, the focus is on the excitement of finding something for themselves and deciding what to do with it next.     Hidden Treasures Discovery Tray

There is so much learning hidden within the search. Children might sort, compare, classify, count, collect, transport and investigate, developing early mathematical and scientific thinking alongside communication, fine motor control and imaginative play. Some children may spend a long time searching for one tiny object, while another may gather everything into a basket or become fascinated by the textures and colours they find. All are meaningful ways to explore.

The invitation includes adaptations from 9–18 months through to 4–5 years, beginning with sensory exploration and early discovery before developing into collecting, sorting, descriptive language, problem solving and independent investigation. It also includes practical guidance around inclusion, adapting resources, supporting communication and adult interactions, so the invitation can be made meaningful and accessible for different children.     Hidden Treasures Discovery Tray

You’ll also find 8 illustrated vocabulary cards exploring discover, camouflage, texture, observe, compare, treasure, woodland and investigate. These aren’t designed as words to simply teach or memorise; they give children meaningful language for the things they are actually seeing, touching and discovering through their play.     Hidden Treasures Discovery Tray

An included Observation & Possible Next Steps page helps practitioners capture what genuinely interested each child and decide where their curiosity could lead next, with ideas including woodland walks, magnifying-glass investigations, camouflage outdoors, sorting collections and creating children’s own treasure trays.     Hidden Treasures Discovery Tray

Part of the Harvest, Light & Little Wonders framework.

Digital download | 8 pages | Play invitation, planning, vocabulary cards & observation support | Part of The Play Library