Encouraging Education Through Play

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For some time now we have been spending a lot more time at home as a family and we are keen to keep up Erin’s education before she is due to start Reception in September. As none of us are teachers, and really don’t know much about what a 4 year old needs to learn, we turn to online resources and shops to help us out. This is also a great time for family members to order gifts online, when they might not be able to see someone in person.

The thing about education is that it can be done in so many different ways, with some children needing unique teaching styles. Some children are better with math, some are more creative and some like science. Some children like to learn more of what they are good at or in conventional ways while some children might find toys and games and easier way to learn. Today I wanted to share some amazing toys that are both education and fun, that would be great for 4 year olds. 

Geography

Map of the world

From an early age I have wanted to make sure that Erin gets to explore. We try to visit exciting places in the UK but I also want us to venture further afield, so that Erin can learn about the rest of the world. We might not be able to go on holidays right now but we can teach Erin about other countries, other cultures and all of the amazing things the rest of the world has to offer. The 78 piece map of the world is bright, colourful and shows off some really great things about other places in the world.

Math

Gangsta Granny's Mental Math Games

Math was never my strong point at school and I really struggled with it. I think one of the main things was that I never found math fun. Now though, there are some great games to help make math more fun, such as Gangsta Granny’s Mental Math Games, which is based on the bestselling books by David Walliams.

The outside world

National Geographic Binoculars 

At age 4 Erin loves to be outside more than anything. It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or boiling hot, you can usually find Erin in our garden with a pair of wellies on and looking for something to do. If you also know someone who likes to do the same then maybe the National Geographic Binoculars would be a great idea for them. Of course, they don’t have to just be used in the garden either and they’d be perfect for taking on any outdoor adventure.

Anatomy

Ready, Set, Bodies

Ever since Erin got an x-ray for the first time when she was about 2 she has been obsessed with finding out about the human body. When she broke her elbow earlier this year she was more excited about getting another x-ray rather than being sad about the pain. Ready, Set, Bodies is full of arts and crafts to help teach children about organs, bones and healthy eating!

The alphabet

Pirate ship alphabet wooden jigsaw

Although Erin will quite happily sing the alphabet song something we have to work on is recognising the letters and being able to write them. She isn’t the type of child who likes to sit and practice with a book so instead, the Pirate ship alphabet wooden jigsaw is a fun way of learning letters without it all being too serious.

Education doesn’t have to be boring. For young children like Erin it should be fun and exciting, just like all of the toys I’ve shown above. Let me know what your favourite is in the comments. 


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Encouraging Education Through Play

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