Play-Based Learning Activities
Play-based learning is something near and dear to my heart. There is no sound in the world I love more than the sound of my children playing. And what absolutely fascinates me is how experientially rich play is. Whether we engage our kids and set up invitations to play or just leave them to their own devices, they are always learning through play.
In this section, you will find play-based learning activities and articles. All of my activities use inexpensive, common materials. You will notice my posts underscore the basic skills children are learning when engaging in my invitations to play.
Below are my top play-based learning posts. I hope you enjoy:
- Low or No-Prep Kids Activities for When You Need a Break
- Simple Olympic Activities for Preschoolers
- Facilitate Play-Based Learning at Home
- 25+ Activities to Improve Printing without Writing
- Sensory Play Ideas and What is Being Learned
Don’t forget to join the Undeniable Power of Play community on facebook and follow us on Instagram to see countless play-based learning ideas. Use the hashtag #PowerofPlay52 on Instagram and we could re-gram your ideas!
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15+ calming toddler activities that are simple and fun
Whether it’s when a toddler gives up her nap or when a parent simply needs some quiet time, these calming toddler activities are gold. All of them are perfect for open-ended play. Most are indoor kids activities and use common household items. Their screen-free and very simple to set up. When my almost-three-year-old daughter seemed […] Continue reading
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How to Make Bouncy Balls: A fun, hands-on science lesson
If your child is slime-obsessed, you will want to check out this spin how to make slime. While the ingredients are the same, the result is different and exciting! Here you will learn how to make bouncy balls. This simple kids activity is perfect for hands-on learning to teach children about chemical reactions. One of […] Continue reading
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How to set up three simple science activities for preschoolers
It doesn’t take a science degree to execute simple science activities for preschoolers. In fact, all you need are common household items and minimal prep to teach children about physical and chemical reactions. Find basic ideas to promote physics and biology as well as three science activities for preschoolers here. This post originally appeared on […] Continue reading
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This is why sensory play is so important – backed by research
Sensory play can seem like a whole lot of mess in the name of frivolous play. Inside I will share the research behind why sensory play is so important as well as tips to contain the mess, execute simple sensory play ideas and more. It was a scorching hot evening in our old neighbourhood. We […] Continue reading
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Why this is the best way to build a kids’ fort
More than once I’ve been tempted to buy a fort building kit for my kids. Turns out, I had the wrong idea. Kids’ forts should be simple and fun. Find the best way to build forts for kids that promote STEM and play-based learning. My kids had been fighting on and off all week. Saturday morning rolled […] Continue reading
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10+ Children’s Books That Will Make Your Strong-Willed Child Laugh
Parenting a strong-willed or spirited child is prone to power struggles. Sometimes reading and humour are the best ways to reset. Find get resources here. Parenting a strong-willed child is the most humbling and rewarding endeavour of my life. And it just so happens I’m not parenting one spirited child, but two. What defines a […] Continue reading
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50+ Ideas to Improve Printing Without Writing
Want to work on your child’s printing and fine motor skills for hand-writing? Below you will find play-based learning ideas to improve printing without writing. I remember those printing books from elementary school with each letter written solidly, then in an almost connect-the-dots form, and then with room for us to try copy the character […] Continue reading
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Your Kids Will Love These Simple Ways to Engage in Sensory Play
Sensory play can seem like a disaster waiting to happen with rice or flour everywhere. But there are simple ways to procure the benefits naturally without all the mess! When it comes to sensory play, there seem to two types of people. There are the ones who cringe at the mere mention – envisioning glitter, […] Continue reading
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Give the Gifts with the Most Play Value
The last thing any parent wants is to buy gifts that will only be shoved aside and forgotten. Here you will find the best Christmas gifts for kids. Below you will find play-based learning toy ideas and what aspects of learning they facilitate. My kids’ toys seemingly reproduce overnight. There are toys in every room […] Continue reading
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How to Buy Christmas Gifts for the Kids Who Have Everything
While I would love to buy everything for my children, we have way too many toys. This year, I want to give my kids less but them to experience more. Find how to buy the best Christmas gifts for kids below. Christmas morning hits and my daughter blitzes through the presents under the tree. […] Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Alana. When I’m not nursing cold, stale coffee, I usually can be found with the baby on my hip, barefoot, and racing after my two older kids.
Thanks to a degree in psychology and a free-range childhood backing onto an expansive evergreen forest, positive parenting and play-based learning are my passions.