Small world play is such an important part of early years learning. It helps children make sense of the world around them, build stories, and play out ideas in a way that feels safe and familiar.
If you could choose five small world resources, what would they be? We asked Shardi Vaziri, an early years advisor and teacher, this question. Here are her top five favourites with the reasons behind her choices.
1. Wooden Nesting Houses
Wooden nesting houses are a great resource – not only can they be used in the intended way (as a home), the pieces can also be used in a more open ended way supporting the children’s imagination. Additionally, they can help with maths and problem solving. What’s more, they are easy to store!
2. Glow Small World
All the glow products are magical including the Glow Small World. I really like the way technology has been combined with a small world resource giving an additional dimension to them. I particularly like the trees as they can support with knowledge and understanding of the seasons and colours. Using these inside a dark den or a sensory room would show the full effect of the magical glow these products give off.
If you are interested in reading more about Glow Small World, why not read our blog, ‘The Importance of Glow Play‘.
3. Giant Small World
I love this giant dolls house! The size means that 2 or 3 children can play together easily meaning, unlike a traditional-sized dolls house, this one fosters collaboration and conversation.
To read more about Giant Small World Play, read our blog, ‘Small World Play Goes Large’.
4. Block People Small World Figures
I think it’s important that small world resources represent the world around us and enable us as educators to have conversations with children to deepen their understanding. These Block People Small World People support this by providing an opportunity to discuss diversity and inclusion, therefore supporting children’s understanding and empathy.
To read more about representation, read the following blog. ‘The power of representation through play‘
5. Small World Rainbow Wooden Felt Elves
These rainbow elves are magical and irresistible. The felt has a lovely tactile feel, while the wooden figure means they stand easily. The different colours provide an opportunity to learn colours, and the pack of 10 means you can also practice counting skills. Paring these with open-ended resources will really allow the children to develop their imagination and story-telling skills.
Want to find out more about creating imaginative, enchanted worlds with children, read our blog, ‘Creating enchanted small world scenes‘.
Final Thoughts
These five small world resources have been highlighted for their potential to spark imagination, encourage communication and support a range of other skills. Whether you’re setting up a new small world area or refreshing your current provision, they offer a great starting point for creating engaging and meaningful small world experiences for children.
If you would like to find out more about Small World Play, read Shardi Vaziri’s blog, ‘The importance of Small World Play in Early Education‘.
Thanks to Shardi Vaziri for sharing her top 5 small world resources with us.
Shardi is an Early Years Advisor specialising in loose parts and sustainable provision on a shoestring. You can contact her at www.earlyyearsonashoestring.com and follow her on Instagram @earlyyearsonashoestring.
