Here is a very interesting link to Heuristic Play in the Early Childhood Years. Don't be afraid of the complicated term, heuristic play is simple and can be applied easily in the home or Nursery!
You can easily do this at home as the resources you use are everyday objects and recycled or reclaimed materials.
http://www.earlyyearscareers.com/eyc/latest-news/implementing-heuristic-play-into-early-years/