Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education

Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, the podcast where we dive into the wonderful world of play based learning and explore how it shapes confident, creative, and curious learners. In this episode, we’re focusing on the importance of STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics and how integrating these subjects through play in the early years can lay a powerful foundation for lifelong learning.

Early childhood is a critical time for development, and it's when children are naturally inquisitive, hands-on, and eager to explore the world around them. Through playful experiences, young learners develop essential skills like problem solving, collaboration, resilience, and critical thinking core to both STEAM and holistic growth. At Edx Education, we believe learning through play isn't just fun; it's essential.

Join us as we chat with educators, experts, and parents who are passionate about nurturing young minds through creative and purposeful play. Discover how open ended toys, playful environments, and guided exploration can spark a love for learning and prepare children for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Discover how Play unlocks neurodivergent children's potential in the latest episode of the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, This engaging and heartwarming episode dives into the powerful role of play in supporting neurodivergent children—including those with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and other learning differences.

Play isn’t just fun it’s essential. It’s how children express themselves, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive. For neurodivergent children, play becomes a bridge to communication, emotional regulation, and learning. From sensory rich toys like Rainbow Pebbles® to open-ended tools like linking cubes and water play, the episode explores how playful experiences can be tailored to suit different abilities, interests, and developmental needs.

Heather speaks with warmth and expertise, sharing real life examples, strategies, and insights to help caregivers create inclusive and joyful play environments. You’ll come away inspired and empowered with practical tips that can make a meaningful difference in your child’s growth and happiness.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or educator, this episode is a must listen. Tune in and discover how play truly unlocks the unique potential within every neurodivergent child. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

In this must-listen episode, the Edx Education hosts discuss safety in toys looking atinto the critical topic of toy safety, breaking down the key differences between the CE (European Conformity) mark and the similar markings

The hosts highlight the risks of buying uncertified, cheap toys from online marketplaces and offer tips on identifying trusted brands that prioritize both safety and ethical manufacturing. Tune in to learn how caregivers can make informed choices, ensure their children’s safety, and advocate for stricter market regulations.

We explore the vital connection between children's physical and mental health and the pivotal role that play has in nurturing both. Edx Education hosts highlight the importance of supporting well-being through play-based learning, delving into key concepts like risk assessment, resilience, and self-regulation.

We'll share practical strategies for caregivers and educators to foster children's development, focusing on building resilience through diverse play activities and positive interactions. Tune in and don't forget to check out additional resources on the Edx Education website!

Tune in to the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast as Edx Education discusses the powerful connection between play and a child’s mental and physical health. In this episode, she unpacks how play fosters resilience, helps children manage stress, and builds essential social and emotional skills.

Discover how creating a safe, supportive environment for play can transform a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Edx Education hosts sheds light on the risk and protective factors that shape children’s well-being, offering practical advice for caregivers on how to guide kids through challenges with confidence.

Learn how encouraging positive risk-taking, problem-solving, and self-regulation through play can set your child up for lifelong success. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help children explore their world and build a strong foundation for their overall development.

Join us as we explore why play is more than fun—it’s vital for health, happiness, and resilience. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the role of play in shaping confident, capable, and well-rounded children. 

Edx Education experts discuss the importance of self-regulation for children in the early years, focusing on how it affects their social and emotional development, learning, and ability to make friends.

The hosts argues that understanding the five domains of self-regulation – biological, emotional, cognitive, social, and pro-social – can help parents and educators identify the triggers behind challenging behaviour in children.

They advocates for a supportive approach that encourages identifying and managing emotions, building coping mechanisms, and promoting positive behaviours through play.

What are the benefits of mindfulness for children, explores practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into everyday family life.

The Edx Education hosts emphasizes the importance of helping children understand and manage their emotions, particularly in challenging situations. She then provides a range of exercises and activities that parents and caregivers can use to promote mindfulness, such as mindful movement, mindful listening, mindful eating, gratitude practice, and yoga. Welch highlights how these activities can lead to calmer, more positive interactions within families, ultimately creating a more harmonious environment.

Play, Learn, and Create podcast explores the value of children's play, specifically highlighting the importance of role-playing for their development. The Edx Education hosts discusses different types of role-playing: real-life situations, occupational role-playing, and fantasy role-playing. Each of these forms of play offers unique opportunities for children to develop essential skills, such as communication, empathy, and social-emotional regulation. By observing children engaged in these activities, parents and educators can gain valuable insights into their fears, concerns, and developmental needs.

Welcome to another enriching episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education. In today’s episode, we discuss the vital role caregivers play in a child’s development and how fostering a playful environment can transform everyday moments into powerful learning experiences.

At Edx Education, we believe that caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers, and much of a child’s early learning happens through the magic of play.

Our Edx Education hosts will explore how simple, playful interactions can shape a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. From offering children choices and experimenting together to providing positive feedback and support, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you engage in meaningful play with your little ones.

We'll also be discussing the importance of active listening, showing empathy, and building a strong, loving bond through positive contact.

By engaging in play and creating a nurturing, supportive environment, caregivers can lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, this episode will provide valuable insights into how you can help children thrive through play. So let’s get started and discover how we can all play, learn, and grow together!

#edxeducation #learningthroughplay #playlearncreate #teachers #children

In Series 3, Episode 6 of the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, hosts Edx Education experts sit down to discuss Heather’s insights from her book, Happy Children Play. This episode focuses on the importance of play for children with special educational needs (SEN), covering a range of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), physical or psychological impairments, visual impairments, and speech or hearing challenges.

The hosts explore how inclusive play can support children with SEN, they emphasize the development of vital skills like communication, social interaction, and problem-solving through play. The hosts provide practical advice for caregivers and educators on how to create play environments that embrace diversity and foster acceptance, making play accessible for every child.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how inclusive play not only benefits children with special needs but also cultivates empathy and cooperation in all children. Tune in to hear Heather Welch, author of Happy Children Play, share her expertise on making playtime a powerful, inclusive experience for all.

#edxeducation #playlearncreate #learningthroughplay #parentpodcast