How long until it’s my turn? I’ve already brushed my teeth! I did it for ages! I won’t do it again! But what if you had a sand timer? It’s your turn when the sand gets to the bottom. Brush your teeth until the timer runs out. Time is abstract. It’s difficult for children to […]
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Once upon a time we sold toys. They were happy days. But our first love was play. Play in all its forms: structured and unstructured, independent and co-operative. Following the success of our courses, Get Set Five and A Year With My Child, we decided it was time for a change of focus. People loved
We used to sell toys Read More »
Does your child love to play in the dirt? If so, a mud kitchen might be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. A mud kitchen is an outdoor play station that allows children to engage with nature while fostering creativity, learning, and motor skills. This guide will walk you through the process of making
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Make tissue paper stained glass in any shape you like, but the natural symmetry of a butterfly is helpful for problem solving and mathematics. Children exploring their positioning schema can really get behind the challenge of creating wings that mirror each other perfectly. And there’s plenty to learn in terms of colour, size, language, using scissors and
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Don’t know the first thing about poetry but want to help your child develop a love of language and verse? According to Karen Smith, poet and a former librarian at the National Poetry Library, you don’t need to know anything to get started and inspire a lifelong love of poetry. Table of contents: Introduction Thankfully the
Poetry for young children: why it matters and how to use it Read More »
We talk a lot about play for the under fives here at One Hundred Toys, but what is play and why is it so important for young children? Read our guide by Helen Jones to learn more about the benefits of play and pick up some ideas for maximising play at home. Table of contents:
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We all know books are good for children, but what exactly are the benefits of reading for children and is there still a place of books in the digital age? Read our guide by Helen Jones to find out more: Table of contents: Books in the digital age Why read? Tips for parents Final word
Bringing storytime to life Read More »
Table of contents: Introduction Why kids need poetry Poetry’s not just for children, it’s for life. Instructions for use. Poetry recommendations Final verse Introduction Ok, hands up all of us parents who are clueless when it comes to poetry! I’m the first to admit I don’t know anything about it. But according to my darling
Poetry for Children Read More »
I fear I’m going to disappoint you by not including a long list of recommendations. My focus, as with all our advice at 100 Toys, is to empower you to make your own choices. And that means showing you what to look for rather than giving a list of specific titles (though there are a
How to choose the right book for your child Read More »
You’ve just sat down with a well-deserved cup of tea when you hear the pleading call, “Come and play with me!” It’s been a busy day and you’ve got a million things on your mind but you obligingly put down your drink and commit to some quality playtime with your toddler or preschooler. The problem
A parents’ guide to enjoying play (even when you don’t feel like it) Read More »