Advertise on podcast: Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education

As the holiday season wraps up, how can we help young children return to school feeling confident, curious, and ready to learn? In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, host Heather Welch and education experts explore the importance of play in easing children through transitions whether it's starting a new school or moving up a year. Discover practical tips, routines, and play-based activities using Edx Education toys like Rainbow Pebbles®, Number Rods to Go, and the Hundred Board Activity Set. Learn how purposeful play can build emotional resilience, cognitive skills, and social confidence to make the back-to-school journey smooth and joyful. Tune in for insights, downloadable resources, and a reminder that play isn’t just fun it’s fundamental join us in turning every transition into a new adventure in learning!

At Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, we believe play isn’t just fun it’s essential, especially for neurodivergent children. In this episode, we explore why sensory play is a powerful, therapeutic tool for children with autism, ADHD, and other additional needs. From calming water trays to creative sand play, these simple setups help regulate emotions, build motor skills, improve focus, and support communication. We share how Edx Education’s sensory resources from our Sand & Water Trays to Multipurpose Trays are designed to create inclusive, stimulating environments at home or in the classroom. Tune in for practical tips on setting up sensory stations, encouraging self-led learning, and using everyday materials for play based development. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or carer, this episode is packed with ideas to support every child’s unique way of learning. Because at Edx Education, we know that play unlocks potential.

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is often misunderstood as just a movement difficulty but it’s so much more. It can affect a child’s ability to organise, concentrate, write, plan, and even express their ideas clearly. These challenges can make everyday school life and home routines more stressful, impacting confidence, friendships, and emotional wellbeing. In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch author of Happy Children Play and General Manager of Edx Education UK explores how dyspraxia influences children’s experiences both in and out of the classroom. Heather shares science backed strategies that parents, caregivers, and teachers can use right away, including visual checklists, scaffolded instructions, and supportive tools like keyboards or talk-to-text software for children who struggle with handwriting. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help every child with dyspraxia feel empowered, understood, and ready to thrive.

As parents and caregivers, we all want children who can think for themselves creative, confident, and resilient problem-solvers. But how do we nurture these skills from an early age? In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch author of Happy Children Play and General Manager of Edx Education UK shares the secret: open ended play. Discover how toys like Rainbow Pebbles®, Pattern Blocks, Linking Cubes, and Sand & Water Play Sets encourage imagination, persistence, and problem-solving. Heather also offers five practical ways to teach children to think through choices, listening, exploration, experiments, and new experiences. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode will inspire you to create opportunities for children to lead their own play, build resilience, and develop essential life skills. Play isn’t just fun it’s how children learn best. ahAiR19d9llvfVnGtYEo

In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play and General Manager UK at Edx Education, explores how we can make classrooms more inclusive for neurodivergent children  including those with Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, Dyspraxia, and other diverse learning profiles. Heather shares practical strategies for creating sensory-friendly learning environments, using visual prompts, clear communication, and assistive technology like talk to text tools to support every learner. She also discusses how play can help children develop emotional regulation, confidence, and social understanding helping every child feel seen, valued, and empowered. Discover how small changes can make a big difference and how play can transform the way all children learn and belong. ahAiR19d9llvfVnGtYEo Because every child deserves to play, learn, and create in their own unique way.

In this heartwarming and practical episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch, General Manager of Edx Education UK and author of Happy Children Play, early years inclusion specialist and advocate for neurodivergent children. Explore how play bridges communication, confidence, and connection for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent profiles. Through real-life stories, laughter, and expert insights, Heather discusses how play becomes a second language helping children express themselves, build emotional regulation, and develop essential social and sensory skills. Parents and caregivers will find easy, sensory-friendly activities to try at home or in the classroom, including calming setups. Discover how to create inclusive environments, support transitions, and nurture each child’s unique strengths through play-based learning. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode will inspire you to celebrate differences, embrace neurodiversity, and see the magic of play as a universal bridge between minds, voices, and hearts.

In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch author of Happy Children Play and General Manager of Edx Education UK explores why movement-based play is not just enjoyable for children, but essential for their learning, wellbeing, and development. We take a closer look at two powerful sensory systems that underpin all learning: the proprioceptive system, which helps children understand where their bodies are in space, and the vestibular system, which supports balance, coordination, and attention. Through real-life examples and research-backed insight, Heather explains how everyday play, climbing, pushing, pulling, swinging, building, and moving, helps these systems develop naturally. This episode is especially relevant for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, or sensory processing differences. Heather unpacks why some children constantly seek movement while others avoid it, and how play provides a safe, pressure-free way to support regulation, confidence, and focus. You’ll also hear practical, achievable ways to support sensory development at home and in early years settings, and why reducing playtime can have unintended consequences for learning and behaviour. If you’ve ever wondered why children need to move before they can sit still, this episode will change the way you see play forever.

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.

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

"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, 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

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 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

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

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.