Learning Through PLAYtrays

⚽ 2-Step Soccer Challenge for Kids! ⚽

Step 1: Build your own soccer ball puzzle!
Children can cut, match, and assemble the pieces to create a soccer ball.

Step 2: Build a soccer goal with blocks!
Can you create a goal and score with a rolling ball?

This simple setup combines fine motor skills, problem-solving, engineering, creativity, and active play all in one hands-on invitation to learn. Perfect for a World Cup theme, sports week, classroom centers, homeschool, or a rainy afternoon at home. 😊

Download the free soccer ball template from this month's blog.🖤🤍

Sensory Soccer Ball 🖤🤍 This giant soccer ball printable was glued onto cardboard, covered with plastic wrap, and transformed into a colorful fizzing experiment using baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. Perfect for little soccer fans... and football fans too! 😉⚽🏈

Extend the story beyond the pages! After reading, create a shadow discovery activity using animal figures, flour, and a small sifter. Children will love revealing the hidden animal shapes while making connections to the story.

💬 Which Eric Carle book would your children love to explore?

Pretend play is more than make-believe. ❤

💬 What's your child's favorite pretend play scenario right now?

🍋Today's Special: Nature Soup

Sometimes the most beautiful creations begin with a simple question:
"What if we add this?"

When people hear that I'm an Early Years Educator, they often assume that my job has always been only about teaching children.

But after more than 15 years working with young children, I've learned something unexpected:

Some of my best teachers were 3 years old. ⭐

Children have taught me how to find wonder in ordinary things. How to ask questions without fear. How to laugh more often. How to be creative, curious, resilient, and present in the moment.

They've reminded me that learning doesn't always happen at a desk. Sometimes it happens in a puddle, a cardboard box, a handful of blocks, or a sensory tray filled with possibilities.

On Children's Day, I'm celebrating all the little learners who have shaped not only my career, but who I am as a person.

Thank you for the lessons.

And to every child reading, playing, building, exploring, wondering, imagining, and dreaming today:

Never stop being curious.

The world needs more of what makes childhood so special.

Happy Children's Day ❤️

Kamilla
Founder, Learning Through PLAYtrays®

Time for a summer cool-down invitation to play ☀️ A simple balloon + water trick turned into frozen penguin sensory fun 🐧🧊

A simple craft. Cardboard becomes a turtle… and leaves become its shell. 🤎🍃