Children are often fascinated with boxes, baskets, huts, or even wrapping string around objects. This natural urge is called Enclosure Play — when tamariki enclose themselves, their toys, or objects within boundaries. It may look like endless box forts or “trapping” toys in a container, but really it’s deep learning through play.
What is Enclosure Play?
Enclosure play is when children explore the idea of boundaries and containment. They may:
-
Build fences or barriers around toys.
-
Crawl into boxes, tents, or fabric dens.
-
Draw closed shapes like circles and squares.
-
Place objects inside containers, then tip them out again.
Why it matters for development
This type of play builds:
-
Spatial awareness – understanding inside/outside, open/closed.
-
Problem-solving – how to build stronger walls or contain items.
-
Early literacy & maths concepts – recognising boundaries, shapes, and patterns.
-
Emotional development – creating safe, enclosed spaces helps children feel secure.
How to support Enclosure Play at home or in ECE
-
Offer open-ended materials like blocks, fabric, crates, or string.
-
Provide tents, tunnels, or boxes children can get inside.
-
Encourage drawing and mark-making of enclosed shapes.
-
Respect children’s need to create “secret spaces” — it’s part of self-regulation.
Freeplay Resources Kit
Our Enclosure Play Kit is thoughtfully designed to support this urge. It includes open-ended resources that invite tamariki to build fences, create dens, and explore the magic of boundaries in their play.