Early Years Garden Play: Learning in the Sunshine By Heather Welch, General Manager at Edx Education UK and author of Happy Children Play 3 Key Highlights Outdoor play helps children build confidence, creativity, and communication skills naturally. Water, construction, and sensory play support important early years learning milestones. Simple garden activities using everyday resources can create meaningful learning experiences. In this article, you’ll find key sections and practical takeaways. Tap a heading to jump straight to what you need. Why Garden Play Supports Early Years Development What Children Learn Through Sand and Water Play How 3D GeoStix Encourage Creative Thinking Float or Sink Activities Using Household Objects Simple Ways to Support Learning at Home Why Garden Play Supports Early Years Development Sunny weather creates the perfect opportunity to take learning outdoors. Garden play is far more than simply keeping children entertained — it supports essential early years development through movement, exploration, and imagination. When children play outside, they use all their senses. They observe, investigate, test ideas, and solve problems. These playful experiences help children develop cognitive skills, fine motor control, communication, resilience, and social confidence. At Edx Education, we believe children learn best through play. Open-ended educational toys encourage children to become curious thinkers and independent learners while having fun at the same time. Outdoor play also gives children freedom to move their bodies in different ways. Pouring water, balancing objects, building structures, and experimenting with natural materials all help strengthen coordination and physical development. What Children Learn Through Sand and Water Play Sand and water play are some of the most valuable learning experiences in the early years. Children naturally explore concepts such as measurement, volume, prediction, and cause and effect while they play. Using Edx Education Sand & Water Trays with a water pump creates endless opportunities for learning and discovery. Children can pour, scoop, mix, and transport water while developing hand strength and coordination. Adding Sand & Water Accessories such as funnels, scoops, and measuring tools helps extend imaginative and sensory play even further. Simple activities can support a wide range of learning milestones: Measuring and Comparing Children learn mathematical language such as full, empty, more, and less while filling containers. Communication and Language Outdoor sensory play encourages conversation, storytelling, and questioning. Problem-Solving Children experiment with how water moves through tubes, funnels, and pumps. Social Skills Shared play encourages turn-taking, teamwork, and cooperation. One of the most exciting things about water play is that children remain engaged for long periods of time because the learning feels joyful and calming. How 3D GeoStix Encourage Creative Thinking Construction play is another fantastic way to support learning milestones during the early years. The 3D GeoStix Construction Set encourages children to design, build, and experiment independently. Children can create houses, towers, animals, or imaginative sculptures while learning important STEAM and mathematical concepts. Through construction play, children develop: Spatial awareness Creative thinking Fine motor skills Persistence and resilience Early engineering skills Outdoor construction activities become even more exciting in the garden where children can combine natural materials such as leaves, sticks, and stones into their creations. Open-ended Educational Toys from Edx Education allow children to lead their own learning. There is no right or wrong outcome, which helps children feel confident trying new ideas. Float or Sink Activities Using Household Objects One of the easiest and most engaging outdoor learning activities is a float or sink experiment using everyday household items. Fill a water tray or bucket and gather objects from around the house or garden such as: Spoons Leaves Toy cars Corks Stones Plastic lids Sponges Before placing each item into the water, ask children to predict whether it will float or sink. This encourages scientific thinking, observation, and reasoning skills. You can extend the activity by encouraging children to sort objects into groups or discuss why some materials behave differently in water. These simple investigations introduce early science concepts through playful exploration rather than formal teaching. Simple Ways to Support Learning at Home Parents and caregivers do not need expensive equipment or complicated activities to support learning milestones. The most meaningful learning often happens through simple play experiences shared together. A garden, patio, or outdoor space can quickly become a rich learning environment filled with creativity, movement, and discovery. At Edx Education, we are passionate about helping families create playful learning moments through educational toys, downloadable activities, and our podcast, Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education. When children are given opportunities to play freely, explore openly and investigate the world around them, they build the foundations for lifelong learning. This sunny season, embrace outdoor play, follow your child’s curiosity, and enjoy learning together through play. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why is outdoor play important in the early years? A: Outdoor play supports physical development, communication, creativity, emotional well-being, and problem-solving skills. Q: What skills do children learn through water play? A: Water play helps develop fine motor skills, early math, scientific thinking, coordination, and social interaction. Q: How can parents support learning milestones at home? A: Parents can encourage open-ended play, sensory activities, construction play, and simple science experiments using everyday resources. Keywords: Early years garden play, Sand and water play activities, Outdoor learning for children, Educational toys, Play-based learning for preschoolers

Supporting Children with ADHD Through Independent & Sensory Play Intro: Key Highlights Simple play strategies can support focus, calm and confidence in children with ADHD Independent play helps build concentration and emotional regulation over time Indoor sensory play offers a powerful, calming outlet for energy and creativity In this article, you’ll find key sections and practical takeaways. Tap a heading to jump straight to what you need. Why Is Play Important for Children with ADHD? What Is Independent Play and How Does It Help ADHD? What Is Indoor Sensory Play for ADHD? Easy Play Ideas Using Edx Education Toys Creating a Calm Play Environment at Home Supporting Independent Play Without Pressure Play, Learn & Create with Confidence Frequently Asked Questions Why Is Play Important for Children with ADHD? Children with ADHD often experience big energy, curiosity and creativity. Alongside this, they may find it harder to focus, manage impulses or regulate emotions. Play is not just “downtime” it is essential learning time. Through play, children can: Release energy in a safe and structured way Develop focus through hands-on activities Build emotional regulation skills Feel successful and confident Play-based learning gives children the freedom to explore at their pace, which is especially important for neurodivergent learners. What Is Independent Play and How Does It Help ADHD? Independent play is when a child plays on their own, following their own ideas and interests. For children with ADHD, independent play can: Build concentration gradually Encourage problem-solving and decision-making Support a sense of control and calm Boost confidence and resilience Start small just 5 -10 minutes of independent play is enough. Over time, children will naturally extend this as they feel more comfortable. What Is Indoor Sensory Play for ADHD? Sensory play engages touch, movement, sight and sound. It is especially helpful for children with ADHD as it supports self-regulation. Indoor sensory play can: Calm busy minds Reduce anxiety and overwhelm Improve focus and attention Provide a safe outlet for movement and energy Think simple activities scooping, building, sorting, squeezing all of these support sensory development. Easy Play Ideas Using Edx Education Toys Learn Through Touch with Number Cookie Cutter Use playdough or soft materials with Number Cookie Cutters to create hands-on number learning. Try: Pressing numbers into dough Matching numbers to objects Tracing shapes with fingers This supports fine motor skills, number recognition and focus through repetition. Build & Focus with Linking Cubes Reflection Set Linking cubes are ideal for children who enjoy structure and repetition. Try: Building towers or patterns Copying simple designs Creating color sequences This type of play encourages concentration, problem-solving and calm, repetitive movement. Creating a Calm Play Environment at Home Children with ADHD can become overwhelmed easily, so a calm play space is key. You can support this by: Offering only 1–2 toys at a time Creating a quiet, cosy play corner Reducing background noise (TV, devices) Keeping a consistent daily play routine A simple environment helps children focus and feel secure. Supporting Independent Play Without Pressure Every child is different. Some children need more support to begin independent play—and that’s okay. Try: Sitting alongside your child before stepping back Praising effort (“You’re really concentrating!”) Allowing freedom there is no “right way” to play Following your child’s interests Removing pressure allows children to explore, learn and succeed in their own way. Play, Learn & Create with Confidence At Edx Education, we are passionate about supporting families through play. Our toys, downloadable resources and the podcast Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education are designed to give you practical, simple ways to support your child’s development. Children with ADHD don’t need to be “fixed”—they need opportunities to play, explore and thrive. When we create the right environment for play, we support not just learning but happiness, confidence and lifelong skills. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the best play activities for children with ADHD? A: Hands-on, sensory and open-ended activities work best. Building, sorting, squeezing and pattern-making help improve focus and calm. Q: How long should independent play last for a child with ADHD? A: Start with short periods (5–10 minutes) and gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable and engaged. Q: Does sensory play really help children with ADHD? A: Yes, sensory play supports regulation, reduces anxiety and helps children manage their energy and focus more effectively. Keywords: ADHD play ideas, sensory play for ADHD, independent play children, educational toys UK, play-based learning ADHD

Key Highlights Outdoor play builds resilience, creativity and emotional wellbeing Simple, low-cost activities support early maths, language and motor skills Children learn best through hands-on, open-ended exploration in nature In this article, you’ll find key sections and practical takeaways. Tap a heading to jump straight to what you need. Why Outdoor Play Matters for Child Development What Are the Key Benefits of Outdoor Play? How Does Sensory Play Support Learning Outdoors? Simple Outdoor Play Ideas You Can Try Today How to Encourage Outdoor Play Without Pressure Play, Learn & Create Through Nature Frequently Asked Questions Why Outdoor Play Matters for Child Development Outdoor play is far more than just “letting off steam.” It is a powerful, hands-on learning experience where children use all their senses. Whether splashing in water, collecting leaves or building dens, children are actively learning through doing. Nature introduces unpredictability uneven ground, changing weather and open-ended materials. These experiences help children adapt, problem-solve and build confidence naturally. At Edx Education, we believe happy children play, and confident children thrive. Outdoor play supports the whole child physically, emotionally and socially. What Are the Key Benefits of Outdoor Play? 1. Builds Resilience and Confidence Children take safe risks outdoors—climbing, balancing and exploring. These experiences develop persistence and problem-solving skills. 2. Encourages Creativity and Imagination Without fixed rules or outcomes, children create their own play. Sticks become wands, stones become counters imagination leads the learning. 3. Supports Emotional Wellbeing Time outdoors helps children feel calm and regulated. It can reduce stress, improve focus and support emotional development. How Does Sensory Play Support Learning Outdoors? Sensory play is a key part of outdoor learning. Activities involving sand, water, textures and movement help children understand the world around them. These experiences support: Early scientific thinking (exploring cause and effect) Language development (describing textures and actions) Fine motor skills (pouring, scooping, sorting) Simple setups like a water tray or sand area can create endless opportunities for discovery. Simple Outdoor Play Ideas You Can Try Today You don’t need a large garden or special equipment—just a small outdoor space and a little creativity. Try these easy activities: Leaf rubbings to develop fine motor skills Colour hunts to build observation and sorting skills Counting with pebbles and sticks for early maths learning Water and sand play for sensory exploration These activities are simple, engaging and support school readiness through play. How to Encourage Outdoor Play Without Pressure Children learn best when they feel free to explore. You don’t need to direct every moment. Try these practical tips: Use loose parts: sticks, stones, leaves and open-ended materials Ask open-ended questions: “What could you build?” Follow your child’s lead: allow them to guide their own play Focus on exploration, not outcomes These small changes build independence, confidence and curiosity. Play, Learn & Create Through Nature Outdoor play is one of the most effective ways to support child development. It builds resilience, encourages creativity and nurtures emotional wellbeing—all through joyful, hands-on experiences. As parents and caregivers, we don’t need to overcomplicate learning. By giving children time, space and freedom outdoors, we support lifelong curiosity and confidence. Because when children play, they don’t just pass the time they grow, they learn, and they thrive. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why is outdoor play important for child development? A: Outdoor play supports physical health, emotional wellbeing, creativity and problem-solving. It provides real-world learning experiences that build confidence and resilience. Q: How much outdoor play do children need each day? A: There is no strict rule, but regular daily outdoor time—even short periods—can have significant benefits for development and wellbeing. Q: What if I don’t have access to a garden? A: Parks, playgrounds or even small outdoor spaces can offer valuable opportunities. Simple activities like nature walks or collecting leaves still support learning. Keywords: outdoor play child development, sensory play outdoors, benefits of outdoor learning, play-based learning UK, early years outdoor activities

The Power of Play: Building Focus, Skills & Creativity Intro: 3 Key Highlights Play-based learning strengthens concentration, resilience and core skills Hands-on play supports fine motor, cognitive and creative development Simple resources like Mini Rainbow Pebbles turn everyday play into meaningful learning As parents and caregivers, we often wonder how best to support our children's learning especially in a world where screens are everywhere. The answer is often simpler than we think. Play is not just a break from learning. Play is how children learn best. Research consistently shows that play-based learning helps children develop concentration, resilience, and essential life skills all while nurturing creativity and confidence. 📌 Quick Guide In this article, you'll find key sections and practical takeaways: Why Is Play Important for Concentration? How Does Play Build Core Learning Skills? How Can Play Reduce Screen Time? Why Is Creativity So Important in Early Years? Simple Busy Play Ideas Using Mini Rainbow Pebbles Supporting Play Without Pressure Play, Learn & Create Every Day Frequently Asked Questions Why Is Play Important for Concentration? When children engage in hands-on, open-ended play, they naturally become deeply focused. Activities like sorting, stacking and building encourage children to stay engaged for longer periods. This type of play supports: Sustained attention Problem-solving skills Independent thinking Unlike passive screen time, play requires children to actively think, decide and explore strengthening their ability to concentrate over time. How Does Play Build Core Learning Skills? Through play, children develop the foundations they need for lifelong learning. Persistence & Resilience When something doesn't work, children learn to try again. These small moments build confidence and determination. Fine Motor Skills Using smaller resources like Mini Rainbow Pebbles strengthens hand muscles, supporting early writing and coordination. Gross Motor Skills Reaching, placing and moving objects helps develop physical control and spatial awareness. Cognitive Development Children begin to understand patterns, sequences, counting and problem-solving through hands-on exploration. How Can Play Reduce Screen Time? Screens often provide instant results, but play offers something far more valuable time to think. By introducing simple, engaging play activities, you can: Encourage independent exploration Reduce reliance on screens Support deeper, more meaningful learning Even short bursts of focused play each day can make a lasting impact. Why Is Creativity So Important in Early Years? In my research and writing, I often emphasise that we need to teach children how to think, not what to think. Creativity is at the heart of this. Open-ended play allows children to: Explore ideas freely Solve problems in different ways Express themselves confidently There is no "right answer" only opportunities to create, adapt and imagine. Simple Busy Play Ideas Using Mini Rainbow Pebbles The Busy Play range is designed to support open-ended, hands-on learning. Here are a few simple ideas you can try at home: Pattern Making Create simple patterns and encourage your child to continue them. Sorting & Classifying Sort by colour, size or shape. Change the rules to keep it exciting. Creative Pictures Use pebbles to create pictures, animals or story scenes. Stack & Balance Challenge your child to build towers great for patience and fine motor control. Each of these activities supports specific developmental skills, from concentration to creativity. Busy Play® Mini Rainbow Pebbles Supporting Play Without Pressure One of the most important things we can do as adults is step back. Children do not need constant direction they need time and space to explore. You can support this by: Offering open-ended resources Allowing mistakes and experimentation Encouraging effort rather than outcomes Celebrating creativity and focus Play should feel joyful, not like a task. Play, Learn & Create Every Day Through our toys, downloadable resources and the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, we continue to advocate for meaningful, play-based learning. When children are given the freedom to play, they build more than skills they build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Because happy children don't need to be rushed. They need time, space and the right tools to play. Frequently Asked Questions Q: How does play improve a child's concentration? A: Play encourages active engagement, problem-solving and decision-making, which naturally builds attention span over time.  Q: What are the benefits of using Mini Rainbow Pebbles? A: They support fine motor skills, creativity, pattern recognition and early maths concepts through hands-on play.  Q: How much play time should my child have each day? A: Even 15–30 minutes of focused, screen-free play daily can significantly support development and wellbeing.

Teaching Children to Think Through Play in the Early Years As parents, caregivers and teachers, we often focus on what children should learn — numbers, letters, shapes and colors. Yet one of the most powerful skills we can nurture in the early years is teaching children how to think. When children learn to question, experiment and solve problems, they develop confidence, resilience and independence. These thinking skills form the foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning. At Edx Education, our philosophy of Play, Learn & Create encourages children to develop these skills naturally through play. With open-ended educational toys such as Nuts & Bolts and themed animal counters including aquatic animals, farm animals and wild animals, children begin exploring, testing ideas and discovering solutions independently. The best part? Many of these learning moments require minimal setup but deliver maximum developmental benefits. 📌 Quick Guide In this article, you'll find key sections and practical takeaways: Why Thinking Skills Matter in Early Childhood How Play Helps Children Learn to Think 5 Easy Ways to Encourage Thinking Through Play Simple Toys that Spark Big Thinking Play, Learn & Create Every Day Frequently Asked Questions Why Are Thinking Skills Important in Early Childhood? Children are naturally curious. The early years are when their brains are building connections faster than at any other time in life. When children are encouraged to think through play they develop: Problem-solving skills Logical reasoning Creativity and imagination Persistence and resilience Early maths and science understanding Rather than memorizing answers, children begin exploring how things work, which strengthens cognitive development and confidence. How Does Play Help Children Learn to Think? Play is one of the most powerful tools for learning. When children play with hands-on resources like Nuts & Bolts, they experiment with shapes, sizes and mechanics. They test which pieces fit together, adjust their approach and try again. Similarly, themed counters such as aquatic animals, farm animals and wild animals allow children to explore sorting, storytelling, counting and classification. These playful activities encourage children to: Ask questions Predict outcomes Compare and categorize Solve problems independently This kind of exploration builds independent thinking and curiosity. 5 Easy Ways to Encourage Thinking Through Play Here are five simple play ideas parents, caregivers and teachers can use with minimal preparation and maximum learning impact. 1. Ask Open-Ended Questions Instead of giving children the answer, encourage them to think. For example while playing with Nuts & Bolts, ask: Which bolt fits this nut? What happens if you try another one? Why do you think that works? Open-ended questions build logical thinking and problem solving. 2. Sort and Classify Children love organizing objects. Using animal themed counters, ask children to group animals: By habitat (land, farm, ocean) By color or size By number of legs Sorting activities introduce early maths and science concepts through play. 3. Encourage Storytelling Themed counters are perfect for imaginative play. Try asking: Can you create a story with three animals? What adventure are the animals going on? What happens next? Storytelling strengthens language development, sequencing and creative thinking. 4. Explore Patterns Patterns are a key early maths skill. Use counters to build simple sequences: Farm animal → Wild animal → Farm animal → Wild animal. Ask children what comes next. Pattern play helps children develop prediction and logical reasoning skills. 5. Set Mini Play Challenges Children love playful challenges. Try simple tasks such as: Can you match all the Nuts & Bolts? How many animals can you count? Can you create a small farm or ocean scene? These challenges encourage experimentation, persistence and curiosity. Simple Toys that Spark Big Thinking Open-ended educational toys work best for thinking development because there is no single right answer. Toys that support thinking skills particularly well include: Nuts & Bolts – building fine motor skills and problem solving Aquatic Animal Counters – sorting, counting and storytelling Farm Animal Counters – imaginative play and classification Wild Animal Counters – creative exploration and language development These toys allow children to explore ideas freely, encouraging independent learning. Play, Learn & Create Every Day When children are given time and space to explore through play, they naturally develop the confidence to think independently. At Edx Education, we design educational toys that inspire curiosity, discovery and joyful learning. Parents and caregivers can also explore more play ideas and practical parenting tips through the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, alongside downloadable activities designed to support early childhood development. Because when children learn to think, question and explore, they develop skills that last a lifetime. Happy children don't need to be rushed — they need time to play. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why are thinking skills important in early childhood? A: Developing thinking skills early helps children with problem-solving, logical reasoning, and builds the persistence needed for lifelong learning. Q: How can I encourage my child to think independently? A: Use open-ended questions and provide toys that allow for exploration without a single "correct" way to play.

30 Years of Safe Play: Why Toy Safety Matters More Than Ever When parents and caregivers choose a toy for their child, they often see the colors first. The bright shapes, the possibilities for creativity, the excitement in a child’s eyes as they explore something new. But behind every great educational toy is something far more important safety, testing, and trust. At Edx Education, 2026 marks a very special milestone. We are celebrating 30 years of designing educational toys that support children to Play, Learn & Create. For three decades, our focus has been simple to provide families and educators with toys that help children develop essential life skills through play. But equally important is ensuring that every product we create is safe, durable, and rigorously tested. Because when children play, parents deserve peace of mind. 📌 Quick Guide In this article, you’ll find key sections and practical takeaways: The Hidden Work Behind Every Toy Tested for Real Play A Global Community Built on Trust Looking Ahead: The Next 30 Years of Safe Play Supporting Play at Home The Hidden Work Behind Every Toy Children experience toys through curiosity and imagination. They build towers, sort shapes, invent stories, and explore new ideas. Yet behind these joyful moments is a great deal of unseen work. Toy safety is a highly regulated industry. Every educational toy must meet strict international standards before it reaches homes, nurseries, and classrooms. This is why Edx Education works in partnership with Intertek, a global leader in product testing and certification. Together, we ensure that every Edx toy meets some of the world’s most demanding toy safety standards, including: EN71 safety standards across the European Union ASTM safety regulations in the United States AS/NZS ISO standards in Australia and New Zealand And other rigorous global toy safety requirements These standards exist for a reason they protect children. They ensure toys are free from harmful chemicals, designed with safe materials, and built to withstand the real world conditions of play. In other words, while children see fun, Intertek helps ensure the science behind the toy is just as strong as the learning behind it. Tested for Real Play Children do not play gently and they shouldn’t have to. Real play involves dropping, stacking, rolling, pulling, building, and sometimes even throwing! This is why Edx toys are tested for real-life use. Through Intertek’s laboratories, our toys undergo a wide range of tests including: Mechanical and physical durability testing Drop and tension testing Small parts safety testing Chemical analysis to confirm materials are non-toxic These processes ensure that products such as our well-loved Rainbow Pebbles®, linking cubes, and early maths resources remain safe even when used repeatedly in busy classrooms and family homes. Quality is never an afterthought. It is engineered into the toy from the very beginning.  A Global Community Built on Trust Over the past 30 years, Edx Education toys have travelled far beyond where we first began. Today our educational toys & products are used by educators and families in over 100 countries worldwide. From London to Sydney, Taipei to New York, teachers and caregivers share the same goal helping children grow into confident learners. Our partnership with Intertek helps make this possible. Their testing and certification provide what we often call a “global passport”, ensuring our toys meet safety expectations wherever children play. For parents and caregivers, that means reassurance that the toy in your child’s hands has been tested to internationally recognized standards. Looking Ahead: The Next 30 Years of Safe Play As we celebrate three decades of educational play, we are also looking ahead. Children today are growing up in a world filled with technology and screens, yet research continues to show that hands-on play remains essential for healthy development. Through open-ended play, children build resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. At Edx Education, we are committed to continuing this mission for the next generation. This includes: Designing inclusive toys that support children of all abilities Exploring more sustainable materials and responsible manufacturing Continuing rigorous safety and quality testing with trusted partners like Intertek Because behind every moment of joyful play should be something parents rarely have to think about certainty that the toy is safe. Supporting Play at Home As parents and caregivers, you can support safe and meaningful play by choosing toys that encourage exploration and creativity. Look for toys that are: Open-ended and versatile Age appropriate Made from safe, tested materials Built to last through years of learning and play At Edx Education, we are proud that our community of families and educators has trusted us for 30 years of safe play. And we remain committed to supporting children everywhere to Play, Learn & Create - safely. To discover more ideas for playful learning, explore our educational toys and downloadable activities, and tune in to our podcast Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, where we share practical ways to support children’s development through play.

Powerful Ways Learning Through Play Builds Early Literacy & Maths At Edx Education, we believe children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and enjoying the process. Research consistently shows that play is not a break from learning—it is learning. Through play, children build the foundations they need for reading, numeracy, problem-solving, and emotional resilience long before formal schooling begins. 📌 Quick Guide In this article, you'll find key sections and practical takeaways: Why Play-Based Learning Supports Classroom Readiness How Play Enhances Early Literacy How Play Builds Early Maths Understanding Play, Thinking Skills & Frustration Tolerance Practical Tips for Parents & Caregivers Resources to Support You A Final Thought Frequently Asked Questions Why Play-Based Learning Supports Classroom Readiness Classroom readiness is about far more than knowing letters or numbers. It includes attention, self-regulation, problem-solving, and the ability to cope with challenge. Studies in early childhood education show that children who experience play-rich learning environments develop stronger executive functioning skills such as working memory, flexible thinking, and impulse control. When children play, they practise waiting, taking turns, making decisions, and persisting when something doesn't work the first time. These skills directly support a smooth transition into school life. How Play Enhances Early Literacy Early literacy begins with language, storytelling, and meaningful interaction. Through imaginative play, children experiment with sounds, words, and narratives in a natural, joyful way. Building a story: Playing with open-ended toys supports vocabulary and sequencing. Talking through play: Strengthens listening and communication skills. Symbolic representation: Mark-making, drawing, and role-play help children understand symbols—an essential step towards reading and writing. Importantly, play removes the fear of "getting it wrong," allowing children to explore language freely and confidently. How Play Builds Early Maths Understanding Mathematics in the early years is about patterns, quantities, and relationships—not worksheets. Hands-on play gives children real experiences with these concepts. Sorting and classifying: Building early data-handling skills. Counting during play: Supports number sense. Building and constructing: Encourages spatial awareness and problem-solving. Because play is self-directed, children stay engaged for longer, deepening understanding without pressure. Play, Thinking Skills & Frustration Tolerance One of the most powerful benefits of play is learning how to cope with challenge. When a tower falls or a puzzle doesn't fit, children experience frustration in a safe environment. Through play, they learn to: Try again Adjust their approach Ask for help Celebrate effort, not just outcomes This builds emotional resilience and persistence—skills that are essential for lifelong learning. Practical Tips for Parents & Caregivers Choose open-ended toys that can be used in multiple ways. Talk aloud during play to model language and thinking. Allow time for children to struggle a little—resist the urge to fix things immediately. Celebrate effort and creativity, not perfection. Keep learning playful and pressure-free. Resources to Support You At Edx Education, we create educational toys and free downloadable resources designed to support play-based learning at home and in early years settings. Our podcast, Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, shares expert insights and practical ideas to help families nurture confident, capable learners through play. A Final Thought Play lays the groundwork for literacy, numeracy, and thinking skills while nurturing confidence and emotional strength. By valuing play, we prepare children not just for school but for life. By Heather Welch, General Manager, Edx Education UK & author of Happy Children Play Frequently Asked Questions Q: How does play-based learning support early literacy? A: Play encourages storytelling, conversation, and symbolic thinking, all of which form the foundation of reading and writing.  Q: Can play really prepare children for maths at school? A: Yes. Hands-on play helps children understand numbers, patterns, and spatial concepts in meaningful, memorable ways.  Q: Why is frustration tolerance important for classroom readiness? A: Children who can manage frustration are more likely to persevere, problem-solve, and stay engaged with learning tasks.

Play-Based Learning and Classroom Readiness: Building Resilient Learners Through Play Intro: 3 Key Highlights for Parents & Caregivers Play-based learning supports school readiness far beyond letters and numbers. Play helps children develop frustration tolerance, resilience, and emotional regulation. Everyday play at home builds confident, capable learners ready for the classroom. At Edx Education, we have spent decades advocating for play as the foundation of meaningful learning. Research consistently confirms what parents often instinctively know: children learn best when they are actively engaged, emotionally safe, and genuinely enjoying the process. Play-based learning is not a "soft option" it is a powerful, evidence backed approach to preparing children for school and life. 📌 Quick Guide In this article, you'll find key sections and practical takeaways: What Does Classroom Readiness Really Mean? What Does Research Say About Play-Based Learning? How Play Builds Frustration Tolerance and Resilience Practical Play Ideas to Support Readiness at Home Supporting Confidence and Emotional Regulation Resources to Support You A Final Thought Frequently Asked Questions What Does Classroom Readiness Really Mean? Many parents worry about whether their child knows enough letters, numbers, or facts before starting school. However, classroom readiness goes far beyond academic knowledge. It includes skills such as listening, following instructions, managing emotions, problem-solving, and coping when things feel tricky. Children who can persist with a challenge, ask for help, and recover from small frustrations are far better equipped to thrive in a classroom environment. These skills are best developed through play. What Does Research Say About Play-Based Learning? Early childhood research shows that play-based learning supports brain development by strengthening executive functioning skills such as working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. During play, children test ideas, make decisions, and learn through trial and error. Play also supports language development, early maths understanding, and social skills in ways that feel natural and meaningful. Rather than memorising information, children experience learning making it more memorable and transferable to new situations. How Play Builds Frustration Tolerance and Resilience One of the most valuable outcomes of play is learning how to cope with frustration. When a puzzle doesn't fit or a tower collapses, children experience manageable challenges in a safe space. Through play, children learn to: Try again after something goes wrong Adapt their thinking and approach Regulate emotions with adult support Build confidence through perseverance These moments help children understand that mistakes are part of learning, not something to fear. Practical Play Ideas to Support Readiness at Home You don't need formal lessons to prepare children for school. Simple, playful experiences make a powerful difference. Construction play – building and rebuilding supports problem-solving and persistence. e.g MyGears®, Linking cubes, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Sorting and matching games – develop early maths skills and concentration. e.g. Rainbow Pebbles® Imaginative role play – strengthens language, social understanding, and confidence. e.g through storytelling Junior String Art Puzzle play – encourages focus, patience, and flexible thinking. e.g Busy Play® Ice Berg Blocks Allow children time to explore, struggle a little, and find solutions independently before stepping in. Supporting Confidence and Emotional Regulation Play offers a safe space for children to explore feelings and develop emotional awareness. Talking about emotions during play—"That was tricky, how did that feel?"—helps children build the language they need to express themselves in the classroom. Celebrating effort rather than outcomes reinforces a growth mindset and helps children feel capable and confident. Resources to Support You At Edx Education, we design educational toys and free downloadable resources to support play-based learning at home and in early years settings. Our podcast, Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, shares expert insights and practical advice to help families nurture confident learners through play. A Final Thought Play is not preparation for learning it is learning. By embracing play-based experiences, we help children develop the resilience, confidence, and skills they need to step into the classroom ready to thrive. By Heather Welch General Manager, Edx Education UK & author of Happy Children Play Frequently Asked Questions Q: How does play-based learning support classroom readiness? A: Play builds attention, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and resilience key skills children need to succeed at school. Q: Why is frustration tolerance important for young children? A: Learning to cope with frustration helps children persist with challenges and manage emotions in the classroom. Q: How can parents support play-based learning at home? A: Provide open-ended toys, allow time for exploration, talk about learning during play, and focus on effort over results.

A sustainable future with Edx Education Educational toy manufacturers, like every other industrial sector, are looking for more sustainable ways to reduce their impact on the environment, and Edx Education is fully engaging in this journey and are currently working towards a better sustainable future in manufacturing and business practices. More and more people are becoming aware of the effects and consequences that a growing population is having on the planet and are paying more attention to their consumption habits by choosing products that are environmentally friendly. For example, people are choosing to use cloth diapers/nappies instead of disposable ones, and bees wax wrap – which is even more reusable – Tupperware instead of cling wrap for keeping food fresh. Another great way to reduce the amount of child lead waste is to buy toys made from recycled materials. In fact, you can now find lots of toys that are made safely from recycled materials including recycled milk jugs, soda bottles and other plastic containers, and even toys that are made from recycled newspaper or old tyres. You might think that toys made from recycled materials are expensive, but toys made from recycled materials are now more affordable than ever before. Background of sustainable toys and education resources The history of sustainable toys and education resources started long ago when toys were generally made from materials such as wood, natural cotton and wool. But approaching the 1990s and 2000s, toy manufacturers became more interested in plastic, vinyl and other synthetic materials. These new materials made it possible to create many different types of toys, with some toys being able to move or create sounds. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the amount of one-time-use plastics that are being used, with many people concerned about one-time-use plastic pollution in the oceans and on land, and there are also concerns about the chemicals that are in some plastic products. The production of sustainable educational toys is a response to these concerns, with toys now being made with materials that will not harm our environment, such as bio-based plastic, and made to be recyclable or reusable. In the new Green-n-LearnTM, the Whale Story Counter Set has an important message about the effect one-time use of plastic waste has on our ocean because it is really important to educate our children. Learn more about Edx Education’s history, our philosophy, our mission, the key developmental areas we focus on, our educational outreach and more here. Edx Education knows sustainability is a key area, because of the environmental harm, and has been making many changes to improve its practices. As sustainable educational toy manufacturers, we are paving the way forward with our values to be more sustainable in our business practices from manufacturing, carbon offset, offices, travel, providing more education programs to areas in need and generally showing everyone our commitment. Our six focus areas for sustainability by 2024 At Edx Education we are committed to sustainability. We value and are continuously building on our eco-friendly toy practices. Our plan includes:   1. Educational For All Education for All is a collaboration between Edx Education and many of our valued partners. We provide educational resources, programs and teacher training to disadvantaged communities around the globe. Educational sustainability is about providing to those who haven’t had the same opportunities as others. So far, we have opened an after-school centre in Hualien and a mobile kindergarten with the Zhi-Shan Foundation. 2. Educational Experts Edx Education is continuously developing learning materials and resources with top education experts from around the world. Working with experts to provide the key experiences for development and hands-on learning. Their knowledge is essential for best practice and continuously changing with curriculums. 3. Digital Transformation At Edx Education we have streamlined our internal practices from the supply chain, delivery, marketing, paperless procedures, data services and online resources to become more sustainable. We are also providing 100+ online extension activities for our educational resources to increase their longevity of play. 4. Eco-Friendly Support projects, like the Ocean supporting Kuro Shio Ocean Oasis, that develop the environment around us. The goal of this project is to set up a Whales and Dolphins Conservation Zone in Hualien (east of Taiwan).Develop Green-n-PlayTM and Green-n-LearnTM ranges on our journey to becoming fully sustainable at Edx Education.Use recycled plastics, and sustainably sourced packaging (FSC certified) soy ink. Decreasing waste, using greener materials and embracing circular economy practices is the future outlook for Edx Education all to reduce our carbon footprint. 5. Certifications At Edx Education we are committed to ethical, sustainable work and supply chain practices to create ‘green toys’. Our supply chain and products for our educational ranges and toy lines are ethically and compliance audited by global auditing organisations (EN71, CPSIA, ASTM, CCC, Sedex, ISO 9001, ISO1 4001). We regularly visit and inspect our supplier factories to review the production process. 6. Manufacturing We continuously work with each factory on developing more efficient practices and sustainable procedures. The Edx Education team is always looking to the future for more innovative materials to fulfil our sustainability goals. Sustainability and trends going forward in the toy industry In a US report, it has been noted that toy companies should generally assume responsibility for the sustainability of their supply chains and not rely on individual suppliers to take initiatives. In particular, companies should regularly communicate their expectations and criteria to their suppliers and explain why these are important from a sustainability perspective. This is something that we fully support here at Edx Education and why we regularly visit and inspect our supplier factories to review the production process. We also fully believe that in addition to being environmentally friendly, everyone should buy toys that help to develop a child’s interests, encourage their creativity and allow them to play with other children instead of limiting their play to a specific role. Toys are a fundamental part of children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. If they are given a chance to express themselves freely and play without limitations, they will be more confident in the future. This is just the start of our eco journey at Edx Education and we look forward to sharing it with you and love all the support we have from the international community. So, let’s continue to spark children’s imaginations by learning through play to develop lifelong learners with more sustainable practices. In our latest Edx Education catalogue, we discuss these areas in our sustainability focus in more detail. Get in touch to learn more. Edx Education – Heather Welch To find your local Edx Education retailer head over to Where to buy – Edx Education. For home learning toys for different age groups, developmental stages and abilities, view our full range here: https://www.shopedx.co.uk or www.amazon.com/edxeducation

Understanding Independent and Parallel Play: A Guide for Parents As parents and caregivers, we often find ourselves watching children play and quietly wondering whether they should be playing together more, or why they seem happiest playing alone. These questions are incredibly common, especially in the early years, and the reassuring truth is that different play styles are a natural and healthy part of child development. Two important and often misunderstood play styles are independent play and parallel play. Understanding what these are, why they matter, and how toys can support them helps adults feel confident in supporting children without pressure, comparison or unrealistic expectations. What is Independent Play? Independent play is when a child plays on their own, fully absorbed in what they are doing. This might look like building with blocks, exploring loose parts, solving puzzles or creating imaginary worlds independently. Independent play is not about isolation. It is about autonomy, focus and self-directed learning. Through independent play, children develop concentration, problem-solving skills, creativity, resilience and emotional regulation. For many children, particularly neurodivergent children, independent play provides a sense of calm, predictability and control. It is often the space where children feel safest to explore ideas, practise skills and build confidence. What is Parallel Play? Parallel play usually emerges between eighteen months and three years, but it can continue well beyond this age. During parallel play, children play alongside one another, often with similar materials, without direct interaction. They may watch, listen, imitate or simply enjoy being near others while remaining focused on their own play. Parallel play is not a social failure. It is a developmental bridge. It supports social awareness without social pressure, early language exposure, emotional safety and familiarity with group environments. Children learn by observing others, even when they are not actively engaging with them. For neurodivergent children, parallel play can be especially powerful. It allows them to be part of a shared space while maintaining personal boundaries and sensory comfort. It builds confidence gradually and supports social readiness in a way that feels safe and respectful. Many caregivers notice these play differences and worry that their child is falling behind socially. In reality, play develops along many pathways. When children feel secure and unpressured, they are far more likely to move towards interactive and cooperative play in their own time. The right toys can make a significant difference. Open-ended educational toys naturally support both independent and parallel play without demanding specific outcomes or forced interaction. At Edx Education, our toys are designed to act as stepping stones, meeting children where they are and gently supporting development forward. Construction toys, loose parts, maths manipulatives and sensory-friendly resources are ideal for side-by-side play. Children can explore, repeat, create and problem-solve independently while feeling comfortable in a shared environment. These experiences help build confidence, curiosity and emotional regulation. Supporting these play styles also means adjusting adult expectations. Children do not need to be coached into playing together. They need time, space and permission to play in ways that feel right for them. Providing shared play spaces, offering choices and allowing observation without direction creates a strong foundation for development. To truly support children through independent and parallel play, we must rethink how we define progress. Progress is not always louder, more social or more interactive. Sometimes it looks like a child feeling calm in a shared space, staying focused for longer, or confidently choosing their own materials. These moments matter. When children are trusted to lead their play, they build the foundations for communication, collaboration and resilience naturally. Through our toys, downloadable resources and the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, we continue to advocate for play that respects individuality, builds confidence and supports lifelong learning through joyful, pressure-free experiences. By Heather Welch, General Manager Edx Education UK and author of Happy Children Play Tags: Active play, at-home resources, Construction, educational toys, independent and parallel play, independent play and parallel play, lockdown, numbers, OPEN-ENDED TOYS, Parenting, play-based learning, problem solving, sensory play