World Book Day: Fun Play-Based Learning Ideas with Educational Toys

/in , , /by

World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to spark children’s imaginations while strengthening key early years learning skills. At Edx Education, we believe in combining literacy with play-based learning to make education fun, engaging, and interactive.

Using educational toys alongside classic children’s books can enhance early maths skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. By incorporating well-loved characters into maths activities, parents, caregivers, and educators can make learning an exciting adventure at home or in the classroom.

Let’s explore some hands-on ways to bring books to life using STEAM toys, maths manipulatives, and sensory play resources!

1. Counting & Sorting with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a timeless favourite that introduces children to counting, sequencing, and healthy eating.

Maths Activities for Kids:

  • Counting with Linking Cubes: Stack coloured Linking Cubes to represent the different foods the caterpillar eats each day. This helps children develop one-to-one correspondence and number recognition.
  • Bug-Themed Sorting: Use Bug Counters to sort insects by colour, shape, or type, helping children develop early classification skills.
  • Simple Addition & Subtraction: Use number flashcards and counters to visually demonstrate how the caterpillar “eats” different amounts of food each day.

These hands-on maths activities make learning fun while reinforcing key early years numeracy skills.

2. Shape & Pattern Recognition with Elmer the Elephant

David McKee’s Elmer the Elephant teaches children about diversity and individuality while providing a great opportunity to explore colours, shapes, and patterns.

Educational Toy Activities:

  • Create Patchwork Patterns: Use Pattern Blocks or Rainbow Pebbles® to recreate Elmer’s colourful patchwork design, encouraging spatial awareness and creativity.
  • Sorting & Colour Matching: Encourage little learners to group maths cubes or counters by colour, reinforcing early maths concepts like classification and patterning.
  • Symmetry Art: Fold a piece of paper in half, paint one side, then fold it to reveal a symmetrical design, introducing the concept of symmetry in a hands-on way.

These activities boost fine motor skills, problem-solving, and early maths development in a fun, interactive way.

3. Measuring & Problem-Solving with The Gruffalo

Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo is a fantastic book for developing problem-solving skills, size comparison, and measurement concepts in early years learning.

Maths & STEM Learning Activities:

  • Measure the Gruffalo’s Footprints: Cut out different-sized footprints and measure them using Linking Cubes or rulers to explore measurement and comparison.
  • Size Ordering Game: Print and cut out images of the Gruffalo, the mouse, the fox, and the owl. Challenge children to order them from smallest to largest to develop their understanding of comparative sizes.
  • Number Hunt Adventure: Hide number cards or objects around a play area and encourage children to go on a ‘forest hunt’ like the mouse in the story, strengthening number recognition and gross motor skills.

Using storytelling to teach early maths concepts encourages active learning and problem-solving in a way that feels natural and exciting.

How Educational Toys Support Play-Based Learning

Incorporating educational toys for kids into storytelling makes learning more engaging and accessible. Whether using maths manipulatives, STEM toys, or sensory play tools, hands-on activities help children develop essential skills while fostering a love for books and learning.

Why Play-Based Learning Works:

✔ Encourages creativity and problem-solving
✔ Helps children grasp complex maths concepts through hands-on play
✔ Builds confidence and independence in learning
✔ Makes early numeracy fun and engaging

This World Book Day, why not combine books and play-based learning at home or in the classroom? Explore our Edx Education range of toys and free downloadable resources to inspire interactive learning with your little ones.

For more expert tips, check out our podcast Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, where we discuss fun and practical ways to support early learning through play!

Happy World Book Day! 📚🎲