Podcast
Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education
Hosted by edxeducation · EN
Play, Learn & create with Edx Education. This podcast series discusses play being creative and learning for all children. Join Heather Welch sharing knowledge, information and support on play based learning we will explore the benefits, value, different stages of play and so much more.
Play to the untrained eye can look meaningless, however there is a lot more going on than you can see. When children are playing, they are engaged, their imagination is sparked and they are developing confidence and key foundation skills. Play is the way children learn about the world and themselves especially in the early years.
We have spoken with many educational experts, founders of charities, award winning author, international presenters, expat parents and so many more.
#learningthroughplay #handsonlearning #parents #teachers #family #educationforall
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Big Feelings, Brilliant Minds: Supporting Emotionally Intense Children
Feb 2700:18:21Tap to summarizeIs your child easily frustrated, quick to anger, or overwhelmed by change?In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch explores why some children experience emotions more intensely and why these “big feelings” are often a sign of a brilliant, deeply thinking mind.Drawing on research in child development, emotional regulation and play-based learning, Heather reframes the idea of the “explosive” or “chronically inflexible” child. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this child?” she invites us to ask, “What skills are still developing?”You’ll discover:Why emotional dysregulation is a developmental skill gap — not bad behaviourHow frustration tolerance develops in the early yearsWhy play is one of the most powerful tools for building flexible thinkingPractical strategies for home and classroom to reduce meltdownsHow connection builds regulationHeather shares simple, evidence-informed approaches that help children move from overwhelm to ownership of their feelings. Through playful learning experiences, children can build resilience, persistence, flexible thinking and emotional safety — essential foundations for school readiness and lifelong wellbeing.If you are parenting or teaching a child with big emotions, this episode will leave you reassured, empowered and equipped with strategies you can start using immediately.Because at Edx Education, we believe every child can thrive when we understand how they develop.
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Why Wiggling Matters: The Science of Play, Balance & Learning
Jan 400:15:29Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Play Bridges Minds, Voices & Hearts: Autism, Early Years & the Power of Play
Oct 2600:10:29Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Supporting Every Mind, Inclusive Learning for Neurodivergent Children
Oct 600:10:29Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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The Secret to Raising Creative, Confident Thinkers
Sep 2800:09:00Tap to summarizeAs 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
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Beyond Movement, Supporting Children with Dyspraxia Through Play
Sep 2100:08:32Tap to summarizeDyspraxia, 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.
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Sensory Play for Neurodivergent Children with Edx Education
Aug 200:08:14Tap to summarizeAt 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.
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Transitioning Back to School with Confidence with Edx Education
Jul 2600:11:58Tap to summarizeAs 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!
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Build, Learn, Play & Grow: Developing Thinking Skills Through Construction Play
Jun 13, 202500:05:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, discuss into the world of construction play and how it sparks powerful thinking skills in young children. From building towers with Linking Cubes to exploring possibilities with MyGears® and Rainbow Pebbles®, we explore how handson play builds more than just structures it builds minds. Discover how convergent, divergent, and lateral thinking come to life through open ended, creative play. Tune in for tips on how caregivers, parents, and educators can use construction toys to help children build, learn, play, and grow every day.
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Think Outside the Toy Box: Nurturing Young Minds Through Playful Thinking
Jun 6, 202500:04:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch explores the importance of teaching children how to think creatively, critically, and independently through the power of play. Drawing from our latest blogs, we unpack the three key types of thinking: convergent, divergent, and lateral, and how toys like Rainbow Pebbles®, Linking Cubes, and open-ended activities can help unlock your child’s problem-solving potential. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, tune in for practical strategies, playful prompts, and expert insights on building confident, curious thinkers—one play session at a time.
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