Reddit mentions of Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers (Loose Parts Series)

The stuff you're describing as thing she likes to play with are often known as "loose parts". Basically stuff that isn't toys but can be used by children in a variety of ways. Lots of kids prefer loose parts, and there is research that supports loose parts as more beneficial than traditional toys.

I would take a look for some infant/toddler loose parts (loose parts are often small - you'll need things that are bigger) and offer some of those in your classroom. There is a fantastic book that I'll link below that's all about the benefit of loose parts, specifically for infants and toddlers.

https://www.amazon.ca/Loose-Parts-Inspiring-Infants-Toddlers/dp/1605544647

I'm not a moderately granola mom yet (couple weeks to go) but I'm a librarian, and I saw some books that caught my eye the other day, called loose parts and loose parts 2 that look fascinating and super fun with great ideas for diy toys. You can always ask your local library if they do interlibrary loan if they don't have it.

My go-to resources are:

Baby Led Weaning

Loose Parts and Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play for Infants and Toddlers

For discipline I prefer the Parenting with Love and Logic.

I'm a big believer in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of teaching and early childhood development. R.E., loose parts, and outdoor classroom theories all work really well together to create a natural, child-led, creative environment. The basic theory involved is that children are curious, competent, creative beings with a significant capacity for learning if we get out of their way. Instead of giving them plastic, light-up, noise-making toys that have one purpose or one way of playing, loose parts cultivates an environment of inviting materials that encourage creativity and discovery instead of "this is how you play with this toy" thinking. I was first introduced to Reggio Emilia and Loose Parts while working for a JCC and I was really impressed with the way it transformed the teaching environment. It's definitely harder the smaller your kids are, but it can be done and I have seen it jump start critical thinking and creativity in even the youngest kiddos.