Play, explore and learn
We've got some great ideas to help little minds learn.
Play, explore and learn
We've got some great ideas to help little minds learn.
Children learn through little things every day like talking, playing and going about your daily routine.
On this page you'll find lots of ideas and activities that you and your children can do together to help them learn. The activities teach a range of skills and are suitable for children from birth to 5.
For more activities, you can also visit the NHS Better Health Start for Life website. For more information about helping your child to learn and develop, see What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide for parents (PDF 5.9 MB) - from The East London Research School.
Around the home
(For all ages)
Get inspired with these ideas for learning using items you already have around the home.
Storytellers
Storytelling is an engaging activity that can be done anywhere with your child. It is reading aloud, but you don't necessarily need a book to tell your child a story.
The great outdoors
(For all ages)
Use these ideas to make the most of being in the great outdoors with lots of opportunities for learning.
Endless possibilities
Play with objects you can find - a great substitute when you're out and you haven't packed a bag of toys.
Little scientists
(Pre-school and Reception)
Inspire curiosity and learn about colour mixing and patterns with this simple experiment you can do at home.
Curious objects
(Pre-school and Reception)
Looking at artefacts or objects from the past can help spark your child's curiosity about history.
Listening carefully
(For all ages)
Activities for children of different ages to help them tune in to different sounds, an important part of communication.
Fun with words
Make building your child's vocabulary fun with this obstacle course game.
Making the story come alive - sound effects
(For toddlers)
Create an interactive story-time with your child.
Washing the car
(For toddlers)
Water play is an accessible activity that your child can learn a great deal from.
If you don't have a car, wash the children's outdoor toys such as the slide or their bikes.
Little chefs
Cooking with your child is the best way to teach your child about eating the right types of food.
Outdoor games
Find out more about what your child can learn from playing outdoor games and try these three ideas.
Making a card and posting it
A fun way to engage your child in making marks (early writing).
Going on a journey
Going on a journey with your child on public transport let's your child see the world they live in alongside you.
Planting and growing
Gardening offers so many fun and interesting opportunities for your child.
A gift for someone special
Teach your child what a heartfelt thank you feels like with this paper pulp pendant activity.
Tinkering
Hands-on tinkering with tools and old electrical equipment is great for exploring, inventing and developing fine motor skills.
Hide and seek or peek-a-boo
Did you know that children learn lots of skills from these simple games?
Den making
Encourage your child to get creative and develop their problem solving skills with these den building ideas.
Homes for mini-beasts
Help develop your child's knowledge of the natural world they live in. This is a project that will take time, lasting a weekend (on and off) but you can use these ideas to teach your child about nature at any time.
Make a leaf crown
Celebrate the changing seasons and connect with nature by making a leaf crown.
Follow my leader
A fun way to teach your child new physical skills. You don't need any resources for this game.