We know how overwhelming it can feel to find time for meaningful play with your little ones, especially when life gets busy. But the good news is that you don’t need to invest in tons of new toys or complicated activities to make playtime count.
Play is so important for your child's development and school readiness, and it can be simple! By reusing materials you already have at home and keeping things easy, you can create fun and enriching experiences that support your child’s growth and connect them with nature.
Here are five tips to help you make the most of playtime, without the stress.
1. Rotate and Repurpose Toys
Instead of feeling like you need new toys, simply rotate the ones you have. Kids will feel like they're getting something new, even if they’ve played with it before. Repurpose items like blocks, kitchen utensils, or old containers to create new activities—these can become sensory bins, construction tools, or counting props. I change my 'featured' toys each week, trying to follow my sons interests as much as possible.
2. Nature as a Free Resource
Nature is the ultimate resource, and it’s free! Gather leaves, sticks, rocks, and flowers from your yard or park to use in play. These items can be used for sorting, counting, building, or even art projects. Bringing nature into play strengthens fine motor skills and introduces early numeracy concepts, all while connecting kids to the environment. Most importantly, its FREE!!
3. Create Sensory Experiences with Pantry Staples
Rice, pasta, beans, and cornflour from your kitchen can become the base for sensory play. One of my favourite activities is filling a tub with split peas and tossing in a few of our favourite animals, along with some scoops and containers. It’s a simple yet engaging way for children to explore different textures, practice their fine motor skills, and dive into imaginative play. Plus, they’re already coloured, so there’s no risk of dying hands/clothes/furniture like so often happens with other bases.
4. Use the Same Materials in Multiple Ways
A great way to simplify play is to reuse the same materials for different activities throughout the week. For example, those rocks from your nature walk can be used for shape tracing, building towers, or even as counting stones. You’re stretching the life of a single material while offering diverse learning experiences.
5. Get Creative with Everyday Household Items
Look around your home—there are likely items you haven’t even considered for play. Muffin tins are great for sorting, ice cube trays can be used for fine motor practice, and old cardboard boxes can become cars, castles, or art canvases. You don’t need fancy toys to spark creativity!
Reusing what you already have simplifies play and takes the pressure off you to always create something new. Plus, it helps your child explore new ways of learning while connecting them with nature, boosting school readiness in a natural and engaging way.
Want more ideas on simplifying play?
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