Top Tips for Learning Through Play

We strongly believe that open-ended play is the secret to keeping little minds stimulated. Toys that are powered by imagination, not batteries will put your child in the driver’s seat and encourage independent play.

Here are a few top tips from Great Little Trading Company’s Toy Designer David Blakeson on how to get the most out of your toys at home and encourage learning through play:

1. What’s up copycat?

Children are learning all the time, even when you’re cooking dinner, washing up, or cleaning the house. Role play is a brilliant way to let them utilise all those little things they pick up on along the way. Recreating real-life scenarios is a valuable way for children to develop their imagination and social skills. From serving 99s to Daddy from their ice cream shop to dishing up dinner for their siblings from their Play Kitchen – these fun, pretend play activities will exercise their imagination, get them chatting, and encourage them to use their problem-solving skills. 

2. Understanding current affairs through play

Playing Doctors is a great way to reassure children that medical professionals will be there for them if they get poorly. Stepping into the role of nurse or doctor themselves gives children the chance to draw on their memory to mimic real life scenarios. It’ll also help them develop empathy as they think up ways to treat different maladies and care for their patients. It’s a wonderful way to help familiarise children with the world of medicine, doctor’s surgeries & hospitals, and in turn make them seem less scary.

3. It’s good to talk

Encouraging children to chat is the holy grail of play. A familiar activity like playing shops gives even the shyest children the courage to make conversation. Personalise their shop by encouraging your children to choose a shop name and spend time creating a sign together. Once you’re finished, set up for the day’s business with a till, some play food, and a shopping trolley, then watch as your little shopkeepers come out of their shell. Playing shops will help them develop their vocabulary as they use and expand on words they’ve heard in the real world. Plus, their listening skills will be put to the test as they practice serving their customers and responding appropriately.  

4. Can you tell me a story?

Using their creativity to come up with their very own story or play is great for encouraging self-confidence. Set up a theatre in the doorway or behind a sofa and encourage your child to be brave enough to put on a show to an audience, even if it’s just their teddies. This will inspire children to use their imagination, and language skills, as well as help build their confidence.

Check out the full GLTC collection at gltc.co.uk