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 tips and ideas to support your child's learning through everyday activities visit the NHS Better Health Start for Life website and the BBC's Tiny Happy People page.

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

Around the home

(All ages)

Out and about

Out and about

(All ages)

Tummy time

Tummy time

(Babies)

Storytellers

Storytellers

(All ages)

The great outdoors
Little scientists

Little scientists

(Pre-school and Reception)

Curious objects

Curious objects

(Pre-school and Reception)

Listening carefully
I spy

I spy

(Babies)

Washing the car
Little chefs

Little chefs

(Pre-school and Reception)

Pass the ball

Pass the ball

(Babies)

Make a card or a gift

Make a card or gift

(Pre-school and Reception)

All aboard!

All aboard!

(Pre-school and Reception)

Planting and growing

Planting and growing

(Pre-school and Reception)

A gift for someone special

A gift for someone special

(Pre-school and Reception)

Tinkering

Tinkering

(Pre-school and Reception)

Hide and seek

Hide and seek

(Toddlers)

Den making

Den making

(All ages)

Make a home for mini-beasts

Make a home for mini-beasts

(Pre-school and Reception)

Make a leaf crown

Make a leaf crown

(Pre-school and Reception)

Follow my leader

Follow my leader

(Pre-school and Reception)

Nursery rhymes

Nursery rhymes

(Toddlers)

Calming jar

Calming jar

(All ages)

Self-soothing box
Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo!

(Babies)

Superheroes!

Superheroes!

(Pre-school and Reception)