Heuristic play is about playing with real-life, everyday objects and providing kids with an opportunity for open-ended discovery. When children are involved in heuristic play, they are using familiar objects in different ways. It is the process of exploring the different ways to use the objects that is important in the play.

It’s not often we associate ‘benefits’ with screen time, but when used in moderation there are some benefits to be had for pre-school kids. It’s all about balance! Find out more about the educational, communication, creative and physical benefits of screen time.

Find out why the pincer grip is important developmental milestone and how you can help your baby or toddler develop this essential fine motor skill from as young as 12 months old.

Exploring science and nature can be so much fun for little ones. When toddlers and preschoolers are engaged in learning about science and nature, they are also learning strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning and develop working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical and material worlds.

Have a go at these fun beach games for young kids! Games you can enjoy on the sand this summer once they’ve had enough time swimming in the sea.

Find out how physical play and development are linked to reading and writing skills. The brain plays its part in children’s writing and reading but the body needs to be ready physically too. Little hands and eyes need developing ready for successful reading and writing.

Here are some fun indoor activities for toddlers that you can do to encourage learning through play. As a parent or caregiver, let your inhibitions go, be silly, forget the mess and play with your toddler.

Often students learning a new motor skill, like swimming, experience a sudden lack of progress after a very strong start. This can be because of something called the 'learning plateau'. This term describes the way in which a period of rapid skill acquisition can be followed by a prolonged 'dry spell' during which no discernible progress is visible.

It's often hard to know how to play with young babies and how to keep them entertained. However, spending time together and interact with them will keep them amused for hours. Have a go at these play ideas with your newborn or young baby this week.

Sensory experience is an important part of child development, but often kids are so busy getting their hands messy, that we forget about them using their feet for sensory play activities. Using their feet for sensory or messy play has many benefits, especially when it comes to exploring the sense of touch.

Over the years as our living space has decreased and our use of smart phones, tablets and television has increased, children are now often missing out on connections to nature. In our hectic world, children need experiences that were such a big part of their parents’ childhood. Check out these natural resource activities to try with your little ones.

Try stepping back when your kids complain about feeling bored. This will empower them to think for themselves and learn to be resilient. It will also encourage them to find their own way out of the boredom, and the problem-solving process helps them feel good about themselves.