Learning through Play
On the Blog...
Play in Nature
We very very rarely take toys out with us when we have adventures because there's so much to engage with in the environment. Auggie is in to counting and giving...
Wipe Box Posting
Auggie has been sick this long weekend so we've been inside a lot. That has meant I've had to be on my game with keeping him engaged in resources he...
Beach Play Tray
Some simple sensory play today - sand. You can't get more classic than that. We keep a load of sand in a big plastic container and we tip it into...
Trajectory Schema
Sit back for a little while and watch what your little one is doing with their toys. If they're pushing their things along, rolling down a ramp, kicking things forward,...
Make your own shaker
I'm so happy that I did this activity. I briefly underestimated Auggie and thought he wouldn't be in to it, that he'd try and eat everything or that he wouldn't...
Take some of the parts and take a turn
There's no shame in being taught how to play with your child. We all grow up, and as most of us don't go on to work with children, it's easy...
Water Painting
Water on a dry surface like concrete or wood is the CLEANEST, messy play experience you'll ever have. Unless it's raining - there's no excuse not to do this activity...
Painting with a brush
We've done a lot of finger painting in the past but not a lot of using a brush. It's HARDER for little ones to get their heads around using a...
Mud Pies
Messy play is incredibly important for development, so I like to provide August with as many messy opportunities as possible. Sunny days make it easy because we can wreak havoc...
Blow your own bubbles
Ok the secret is out, I absolutely HATE bubble machines! I'd hazard a guess that there's not one Speech and Language Therapist who would use one - they're fresh out...
Crayon Corner
I've taken to setting up August's little play table as a crayon corner in between snack times (as he sits here for his snacks if we're home). Whilst felt tips...
Scent Bags
@navybabynz packages their toys in these gorgeous organza bags and I've been saving them for an activity! Today we picked lavender when I spied a big bush of it in the...
Mystery Bag
August is truly in the 'enclosure schema' of play. This just means that he's really enjoying hiding things inside of other things, putting blankets/clothes over his head and crawling into...
Blue Goop
Just a chill one this afternoon. I chucked the last of the cornflour I had into his play tray with a little bit of water and some blue food colouring....
BYO Puddle
Yesterday in the park, August showed interest in a puddle and I couldn't let him explore it because it was just before naptime (in the pushchair) and I'd forgotten a...
Spray Bottle Play
Until they can use a spray bottle as a weapon to soak your entire home - things are only going to get a little bit wet, so hand over your...
Smelling Jars
Are you thinking about ALL the senses when you're planning sensory play?! Don't forget their sense of smell! August absolutely loves it when we carry him to the cupboard and...
Same toys, new tub
August is sick so he can only engage in something for a short period of time before needing cuddles and a rest. We're also exhausted so there's no time for...
Learning to care for others
If you think dolls are just for girls then you have a whole lot of learning to do. Dolls are an incredible tool for learning and they're for everyone. August...
Bird Seed Sensation
Bird seed is an excellent option for dry messy/sensory play- especially outside!! You can choose to either scoop it all back up for play another time or just to scatter...