Fine dining

I love a bit of finesse in play, it's a serious business after all. So said Piaget, Montessori and Rogers and many thereafter.

Take role play. I am reminded of a child I know and her mud kitchen, which began in early years and developed into a detailed and sophisticated Michelin restaurant, packed full of miniature jars of lovingly-made ingredients, with gourmet offerings that visitors would initially raise an eyebrow to and once served their bespoke dishes, would come down a few octaves and stare in awe and wonder at the creations.

I am intrigued by the natural progression of play into real life and as Montessori promoted, the notion of play being the child's work (the said mud kitchener is a brilliant cook now!)

This basket, alongside other resources at Little Brympton, encourages a care and attention to detail, which might translate into real-life experiences. For example, I love to prepare home-grown snacks with children, taking time to display and arrange food on wooden boards, to decorate the table with flowers and set out ceramic bowls, cups, jugs and wooden spoons, even place names.

Having enjoyed this process, as the Danes, would say, we sit, eat and soak up some 'Hygge'.