Learning through Play

The home of easy to set up play ideas! Browse a range of activities that are simple to create and often use the stuff you already have lying around your house! These activities are all created with communication development in mind, so be sure to join in with your little one and foster some conversation.

On the Blog...

Wipe Box Posting

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...
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Beach Play Tray

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...
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Trajectory Schema

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,...
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Make your own shaker

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...
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Take some of the parts and take a turn

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...
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Water Painting

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...
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Painting with a brush

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...
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Mud Pies

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...
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Blow your own bubbles

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...
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Crayon Corner

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...
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Scent Bags

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...
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Mystery Bag

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...
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Blue Goop

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....
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BYO Puddle

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...
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Spray Bottle Play

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...
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Smelling Jars

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...
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Same toys, new tub

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...
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Learning to care for others

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...
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Bird Seed Sensation

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...
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Treasure Tubes

Treasure Tubes

We were gifted these gorgeous treasure tubes from @playitforwardnz. I've wanted them for aaaaages so I felt super lucky to have them turn up.I really want to use these to display...
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