Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education

In this episode 5 of series 3 Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, we dive into one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of early childhood education—teaching children to think.

Our Edx Education hosts explore how critical and creative thinking are essential skills that lay the foundation for future success. Too often, traditional education systems focus solely on convergent thinking, which is about finding the one right answer. However, this episode highlights the importance of also fostering divergent and lateral thinking, skills that encourage children to explore multiple solutions, think outside the box, and approach problems from new perspectives.

We’ll be unpacking three key types of thinking: convergent, divergent, and lateral, and why it's crucial to strike a balance between them. But this isn't just theory—our hosts offer five practical strategies that parents, caregivers, and educators can use to help children become confident thinkers. From giving them choices and encouraging exploration to fostering experimentation and embracing diverse experiences, this episode is packed with actionable tips. Tune in to discover how to empower the next generation to think for themselves and unlock their natural creativity!

#edxeducation #playlearncreate #parentpodcast

In this exciting episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, we discuss into the powerful role of play in developing essential social and emotional learning (SEL) skills in young children. As parents and caregivers, we all want our kids to be happy, resilient, and confident. But did you know that play is one of the most effective tools to help them achieve this?

Join us as we explore how play-based learning, using toys like Rainbow Pebbles®, MyGears®, Math Cubes, and Fidget Cubes, can support the growth of key SEL skills—self-awareness, emotional regulation, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. Through engaging and fun activities, children can learn how to understand their emotions, build relationships, and make thoughtful choices—all while having a blast!

Our Edx Education hosts discuss how everyday play can foster empathy, mindfulness, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. Plus, we share practical tips on incorporating SEL into your child’s playtime routine and highlight how parents can support this journey. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with tips and ideas to help your child thrive through the power of play!

#parentspodcast #edxeducation #playlearncreate #educationtoys #socialemotionalearning

"Play, Learn and Create" explores the different stages of play that children go through as they develop.

Edx Education experts highlights the work of sociologist Mildred Parten who identified six stages of play: unoccupied play, solitary play, onlooker play, parallel play, associative play, and cooperative play. Welch explains that while children may not necessarily abandon previous stages as they age, they tend to spend more time in the progressive stages, eventually engaging in more collaborative forms of play. She emphasizes the importance of providing children with opportunities to play and experiment, noting that following their lead and interests can be more beneficial than imposing complex activities.

#edxeducation #playlearncreate #learningthroughplay #stagesofplay #podcast #parenting #happychildrenplay

In this exciting episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, explores the powerful role that social and emotional learning (SEL) plays in early childhood and how play-based learning can help children build essential life skills. Welch breaks down the five key SEL areas—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—and explains how children naturally develop these through play.

Listeners will discover how play helps kids manage their emotions, empathize with others, build relationships, and make responsible choices, all while preparing them for school and beyond. Parents and caregivers will learn practical tips on how to engage with their children during playtime to foster these important SEL skills.

If you're looking to support your child's emotional development in a fun and meaningful way, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to find out how you can empower your child through joyful, play-based learning.

Happy Children play create a love for learning or as we like to say life-long learners with Edx Education.

#edxeducation #sel #learningthroughplay #mentalhealthand wellbeing #playlearncreate #educationaltoys #podcast

In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, discussing the Play Value, Childhood Development, free play and learning through play experts gather to discuss the incredible value of play in children's development, highlighting insights. Heather Welch passionately advocates for play as an essential tool for learning, especially during the early years.

The experts reflect on Heather's belief that play is often overlooked in a world filled with structured activities, yet it plays a crucial role in fostering a wide range of skills—from fine motor coordination to cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving abilities. They also emphasise Heather's point about the importance of giving children the freedom to explore, experiment, and make choices during play, helping them develop into self-directed learners. Together, they reinforce her message that a play-based approach to learning lays the foundation for a lifetime of success.

Join the Edx Education hosts in this insightful episode as they explore the vital connection between children’s physical and mental health, highlighting how play is key to school readiness.

They discuss the benefits of play-based learning in building resilience, encouraging risk assessment, and fostering self-regulation. Packed with practical strategies for caregivers and educators, this episode offers guidance on promoting children’s development through engaging play activities and positive interactions. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how play lays the foundation for confident, lifelong learners. Visit the Edx Education website for additional resources and tools to support playful learning!

Join Heather Welch chatting about Benefits of play with Special Education Needs (SEN)

Looking at Children and the benefits of play with Autism, ADHD, self regulations and understanding the different domains to creating an inclusive classroom or home environment for everyone.

Highlights of the show;

(02:53) Repetitive tasks

(04:20) Focus on their strengths

(05:43) Allow them to play!

(06:33) Sense of self

(10:41) Developing that motional vocabulary

Join Heather Welch chatting about Play ideas for children in the holidays

Let's discuss many different types of play from sensory, construction, Role, Active, Music, Mindfulness and self-regulation play. You may have minimal equipment to play at home or in the classroom, however let's make it fun, engaging and play together!

Highlights of the show;

(01:51) Make it messy!

(04:07) Using their imagination 

(06:06) Role play

(10:16) Make a treasure map

(11:56) Building that bond

Join Heather Welch, Edx Education in conversation with award winning therapist - Talia Filippelli, Founder of Starr Therapy, discussing Emotional Wellness, social and emotional learning, trends in the USA for children, an exciting project with The Genius of Play ideas for promoting wellness/mindfulness at home or in a classroom. 

Highlights:

(03:29) Why therapy is important and we can talk about it

(15:32) Name the emotion

(22:33 ) How can I grow?

(27:46) Rose, bud, thorn

(30:34) Persist!

#emotionalwellness #mentalhealth #geniusofplay #letsplay #learningthroughplay

Join Heather Welch chatting about The relationship between physical and mental health for a child’s holistic development through play or 'Why Play is important in children for their Physical and Mental health'.

When all three factors ;'mental health, physical health and well-being'; are balanced, this enables children to grow and develop in line with expected standards. While no child will ever have perfect health and well-being, the more that can be done to support them, the better their chances of remaining well throughout their lifetime.

Highlights of the show;

(01:11) The link between physical and mental health and how it can impact each other 

(02:53) How can we be more inclusive with our games? 

(07:28) Problem solving 

(11:57) Importance of play