PROJECTPLAY BLOG
a celebration of play, people & everything in between

Looking for fun and free ways to keep your kids engaged during the school holidays? Our latest blog shares 15 creative boredom busters that require no cost and spark imagination. From cardboard creations and backyard obstacle courses to nature weaving and rock balancing, these activities are designed to inspire open-ended play and keep little ones entertained. Discover easy, nature-friendly ideas that make holiday downtime meaningful and fun for the whole family. Explore the full list and get ready for an exciting, stress-free school break!

Early childhood is a critical time for brain development, with the brain forming trillions of connections. Sensory play—activities that engage touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing—significantly enhances this development. It strengthens neural connections, supports cognitive growth, promotes language skills, improves motor skills, and encourages social interaction. Simple activities like treasure baskets, playdough, water play, and nature walks are effective ways to engage your child in sensory play. By incorporating these fun and enriching experiences, you're fostering essential brain development and creating joyful memories. Embrace the mess and enjoy the learning journey!

Explore the transformative world of Montessori play philosophy in our latest blog. Discover how embracing child-centric learning, fostering independence, and creating purposeful play environments can ignite a love for learning in young minds. Dive into hands-on exploration, child-led activities, and the art of cultivating a prepared environment at home. Uncover practical tips to apply Montessori principles, promoting independence and creativity in your child's everyday play. Elevate playtime to a new level, guided by the wisdom of Dr. Maria Montessori, as we delve into the essence of this celebrated educational philosophy

  Our latest guest blogger, Alana from Mud Mates, shares her thoughts on the importance of ourdoor play, especially in winter!!   Hey there, advent...

As parents, we are constantly seeking ways to engage and stimulate our young children's minds. Heuristic play, offers a unique approach that encourages independent exploration, creativity, and cognitive growth. In this blog, we will dive into the five fundamental principles of heuristic play, and how to support your child's learning and development, that will benefit both you and your child.

Step into the enchanting world of Loose Parts Play - where textures, shapes, and sensory wonders await. Through sensorimotor play, guided by sight, touch, sound, and smell. Embrace the magic of play!

Heuristic play is an essential part of a child's development, especially during their early years. It's a form of open-ended play that allows babies to explore and learn through experimentation with everyday objects. In this blog, we provide simple steps for parents to set up an ideal environment for heuristic play. Through heuristic play, babies develop cognitive, physical, and sensory skills, as well as creativity and curiosity, all while having fun and enjoying quality time with their parents/caregivers.

Playing with playdough is a fantastic way to unleash your children’s creativity and imagination. Just hand them some dough and watch them create everything from dinosaurs to ice cream cones - the possibilities are endless! 

A simple scarf or playsilk is one of the most versitle toys that children will be drawn to time & time again. A scarf or playsilk can many many different things which makes this an ideal open-ended toy, allowing children to express themselves through their imagination. And because a they are limitless, they grow with your child and last years and years of play.

Ever wondered why your baby puts EVERYTHING in their mouth? Rest assured this is all very normal and every single baby on the planet is wired to do so! Want to know why? Read on....

Cat Hill is an Early Learning Educator and new Mum from Taranaki. She has been teaching since 2007 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2011. She LOVES her career but thinks new job as Sully's Mum is even better!!

Cat is a customer of ours and jumped at the chance to write a blog for us. Grab a cuppa and enjoy her blog about "The dreaded Goodbye"

Yep. Messy play makes mess, and children LOVE mess! But the benefits of getting messy far outweigh the dirty clothes & sticky fingers. We’re here to help. Here are our top tips for actually enjoying messy play with your child at home.