In today’s early years and primary classrooms, the value of learning through play is more widely recognised than ever. Far from being “just fun,” play is a powerful educational tool that supports children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. With the right resources, educators can transform everyday play into rich, purposeful learning experiences.
Why Learning Through Play Matters
Play-based learning allows children to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. It nurtures curiosity and builds foundational skills in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Through play, children can:
- Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Build communication and language abilities
- Strengthen social skills such as sharing and teamwork
- Improve fine and gross motor coordination
- Grow in confidence and independence
When children are actively involved in their learning, they are more likely to retain knowledge and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Expert Recommended Resources
At TTS we are extremely proud to work with some of the best educational experts in the business. Here are some of their recommended TTS resources which can be used to inspire learning through play.
Expert Recommended Resources
Rueben Dolls
Reuben dolls offer representation, helping all children see themselves and help build self-esteem. Their realistic features including Afro hair and skin tones encourage caring, nurturing role play, crucial for development.
Alexandra Chiorando, qualified teacher and early years expert, owner of Marmalade Early Years Consultancy talks about the new TTS Rueben Dolls: “The TTS Reuben dolls can be used as a tool to promote positive discussions and conversation about diversity, fairness, respect and differences in a non-judgemental way. They can support children’s wellbeing through self-recognition and representation in play. “It’s really important that educators create a more inclusive environments where every child feels seen, valued and equipped to understand and appreciate the diverse world around them.”
Find out more about TTS Rueben Dolls
TTS Sensory ICT Glow Construction Blocks
Featuring twelve cubes in two sizes, children will be delighted by the changing colours as they manipulate these fascinating blocks during construction play.
Ruth Lue-Quee is the Founder of My Mummy Teacher and an Education and Inclusion Expert talks about the TTS Glow Construction Blocks:
“These glow blocks are perfect for encouraging schematic behaviour by changing all cubes to the same colour. They promote gross motor movement through turning the blocks to change colour and support sequencing and memory by matching colours across both resources.”
“This product could be used alongside music-based activities, for instance colours could be assigned to instruments (red = triangle, purple = drums). Children can compose and record their own music by following the light colours.”
Find out more about TTS Glow Construction Blocks
TTS Rechargeable Mini Mobile Phones
Introduce young learners to early technology with these rechargeable mini mobile phones, each built from durable ABS material and featuring easy-to-use touch-sensitive buttons. These devices not only develop language skills through realistic role-playing scenarios but also enhance understanding of social norms and everyday interactions, helping children to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively.
Alexandra Chiorando, qualified teacher and early years expert, owner of Marmalade Early Years Consultancy talks about the TTS Mini Mobile Phones: “I’ve worked with lots of children who are reluctant to talk because they’re struggling with all the other bits of communication like body language, reading people’s faces and so on, this resource encourages communication in a relaxed, pressure-free way. Ideal for children who find verbal communication challenging in noisy environments.”
“The phones can be useful in sensory dens, outdoor spaces, or quiet nooks for one-to-one conversations. It supports children to communicate comfortably while lying down, sitting, or relaxing and promotes comfort, connection, and confidence in expressing thoughts and feelings.”
Find out more about TTS Rechargeable Mini Mobile Phones
Easi-Detectors – Metal Detectors and Magnifier
Get investigating and unlock outdoor learning with this set of colourful rechargeable magnifiers and metal detectors. Designed with children in mind, they’re user-friendly and promote independent exploration. They can unearth treasures in sand or outdoor areas, supporting curiosity about the natural world.
Ruth Lue-Quee is the Founder of My Mummy Teacher and an Education and Inclusion Expert talks about TTS Developed Easi-Detectors:
“This resource is designed to spark exploratory and collaborative play, acting as both a magnifier and detector to bring discovery and observation together. By stimulating excitement through sensory feedback, it encourages children to recount their experiences and develop rich storytelling language. It also supports hands-on investigation of everyday objects, helping to build communication skills through shared discovery and play.”
Find out more about TTS Metal Detectors and Magnifiers :
Bringing Learning to Life: Practical ideas for your setting
Here are a few simple ways educators can embed learning through play using TTS resources:
1. Role Play Areas: Create themed environments such as shops, kitchens, or post offices to develop communication, numeracy, and social skills.
2. Outdoor Exploration: Use natural and durable resources to encourage investigation, physical activity, and teamwork in outdoor settings.
3. Sensory Play Stations: Incorporate textures, sounds, and visual elements to support sensory development and emotional regulation.
4. Maths Through Manipulatives: Hands-on tools help children understand abstract concepts like counting, sorting, and measuring in a tangible way.
5. Small World Play: Encourage storytelling and imagination with miniature figures and environments that support language development.
Final Thoughts
Learning through play is not a trend – it’s a fundamental approach to effective early education. By combining the right resources with thoughtful planning, educators can create inspiring environments where children are free to explore, discover, and grow.
TTS resources make it easier to bring this vision to life, helping every child reach their full potential through the power of play.
Find out more about or experts
Alexandra Chiorando, is a qualified teacher and early years expert, owner of Marmalade Early Years Consultancy. Alexandra is dedicated to providing high-quality education and strongly believes that children thrive when they feel heard, valued, and respected. Visit the website
Ruth Lue-Quee is the Founder of My Mummy Teacher and an Education and Inclusion Expert. Ruth is also the lead of the Play is Learning campaign which aims to make play and Continuous Provision statutory in England’s Key Stage 1 Curriculum. Visit the website
Thanks to both Alex and Ruth for their contributions to this article.
