10 of the Best- Items that Facilitate Play
Educational Experience
If there is anything we need less of in the world, it’s stuff. Clutter piles up in many corners of our homes and rubbish tips burgeon beyond our means to break it down and recycle. In the early years, toys are a highly revered commodity. Naturally parents and carers want to give their children the best start in life. The cute toy for $9.99 is no big deal, until thousands of parents purchase it. Within a matter of years, it may end up in landfill.
At Playgroup Victoria, we try our best to be thoughtful about toys and play equipment, choosing things that inspire movement, development, literacy and bonding, among other intricacies of learning. Educational Experience piqued our interest- Engage, Inspire, Extend is there moto. They are creating thoughtful, practical resources that are great for home or playgroup.
Educational Experience stock items that promote imaginative play, curiosity, sustainability and fun ways to learn. Their resources engage children in purposeful ways. Below we have listed our favourite items for play.
Get out into the garden and plant tomatoes, alfalfa, snow peas, sunflowers, pumpkin, carrots, herbs. This is a wonderful way to learn about weather cycles, plant life and ecosystems. It is fun to check on the growth progress every week. It incites curiosity and the rewards are abundant! Also check out their Growing Kit Pack of 30 $65.89
2. Dantoy Sound and Water Wheel $16.39
Children spend hours playing with the spinning wheel. They are intrigued to watch the sand or water tip and spiral down. They create games and become engrossed in the fascinating cause and effect it brings about.
3. Mini Kinder Chute $44.90
We love this colourful, fluttering, soft parachute. It promotes group play and togetherness. It is a great tool to use towards the end of a playgroup session, it brings the group together to calm, share and bond.
4. Waterproof Overalls $47.19
“They facilitate play. They give children the freedom to get messy and creative.”- May Morshedy, Playgroup Victoria
These nifty overalls remove much of the trepidation about mess. Pop them on and children are free to roam, explore and get muddy! Their clothes are protected from the elements and at the end of play, simply pull them off and voilà- clean clothes at the ready. Simply give the overalls a rinse and hang them out to dry.
5. Dantoy Super Tuff Wheelbarrow $54.89
We have found this child-sized wheelbarrow encourages imaginative play, fine and gross motor skill development, self-awareness and creativity. Whether used inside or outside it is a handy item. Kids can carry books, transport their toys or help their parents in the garden.
6. Happy Little Architect $54.89
These wooden shapes foster creativity and promote fine and gross motor skill development. This will get your child thinking about shape recognition and will prompt problem solving. A budding builder or designer may be at work while playing with these!
7. Hape Rainbow Route Railway and Station Set $59.24
Cho-choo, all aboard! This beautifully crafted wooden train set has longevity and can be passed down through the generations. Ideas spring up as the children play. They create townships and characters. They use their fine motor skills to direct the vehicles on the tracks. They practice their language skills and share narratives. It is lots of fun and promotes thoughtful play.
8. Little Hands Basket 15 Instruments $252.89
“Music can trigger memories, emotional responses and provide an opportunity for both physical play and learning.”- Megan Osmotherly, Educational Experience
These musical instruments are fantastic for group activities or solo play. They last for many years and inspire self-expression, fine motor skill development, and creative play. The instruments allow children to take turns and share. Also check out the Percussion Set $93.39
9. Clear Water and Activities Tray Set 58cm $438.90 (There is also a cheaper option- Coloured Sand and Water Tray Set $362.89)
“The perfect tool for play - especially in a group. Plenty of room for everyone to stand around and explore. The tray can easily become a different experience each time you play - add water and it is bath to wash baby-dolls, fill it with sand, leaves and plastic dinosaurs to create a prehistoric wonderland or squirt in shaving foam with a few drops of food colouring for colorful foamy fun.”- Mylie Nauendorf, Playgroup Victoria
Pop in water, sand, leaves, flowers, play dough, rubber toys, paint- whatever you like! These trays keep the contents well contained. They allow kids to get hands on without too much mess.
10. Discovery Mud Pie Kitchen $604.89
This stylish kitchen nook allows playgroupers to plant things in the back, draw on the white board and pretend play to their hearts content. Set it up in the outdoor play area or inside- either way it is dynamic and encourages a variety of play experiences.
Explore more Educational Experience Resources here: www.edex.com.au
Other playful ideas
Pop into Op Shops for pots and pans, books, household items and furniture.
Check out this wonderful celebration of culture: Educational Experience’s Boolarng programme aims to connect Indigenous culture with the wider community through genuine, shareable teaching stories.