Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Edina Weth Weil

Educational toys for children – creative learning toys for exploring and development

This is how you playfully support your child's social-emotional development from the very beginning

Imagine accompanying your child while playing and knowing exactly: “Now I’m helping them in the right way to strengthen their emotional and language development.” Sounds too good to be true? With the educational Marte Meo method and the lovingly designed learning toys from Sterntaler, this is exactly possible – in a completely natural, mindful way, from the very beginning.

In this article, you will learn how to support your child's play using simple elements from the Marte Meo method – for example, with an educationally valuable learning toy.

Why is playing so important for development?

Playing together is much more than just a pastime for children – it is a central part of early childhood development. It is the way through which they develop important skills and actively explore their environment. In education, free play is considered a key element of child development.

Through conscious play guidance…

- children learn to interact with others and take turns
- develop creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills in little ones
- build children's self-confidence
- supports their language development
- promotes fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory learning in children
- the little ones discover their interests and talents

A learning toy that engages all the senses

With this interactive learning toy, you have a lovingly designed educational tool that supports exactly these developmental steps. Whether it’s a crackling strawberry, a squeaky lemon, or the soft pear – hearing, touching, and seeing are all engaged equally. This not only promotes cognitive development but also sensory perception, motor skills, and fine motor skills.
Thanks to its child-friendly design, this toy is ideal for small hands – and perfect for first learning experiences with colors, shapes, and sounds. Especially for toddlers, the play material offers a safe, playful introduction to learning with all the senses – a real added value for parents who prioritize educationally meaningful toys. Modern education increasingly focuses on holistic learning toys that activate both body and mind.

Soft Toy S

9,99 €

~~9,99 €~~ 9,99 €

Fruits

The 5 Marte Meo Elements in Play – and How You Can Apply Them with Educational Toys

Here are five elements of the Marte Meo method that allow you to support and encourage your child effortlessly in everyday life – using a simple toy that offers plenty of room for interaction.

A relaxed atmosphere creates a productive development mood

Shared joy connects us. When children notice that their actions receive positive feedback, it strengthens their emotional security. It motivates them to keep exploring and trying new things.

Here’s how:
• Speak with a warm, inviting tone
• Smile and laugh along
• Reflect positive emotions back

What it means for your child: You create a trusting atmosphere and convey: “I enjoy playing with you.”

2. Development needs time and space

Many parents want to help and step in early – but children learn best when they are allowed to explore on their own. A “waiting period” can work wonders.

Here’s how:
• Lean back and give your child time to choose the first game piece on their own
• Endure the silence, even if there’s a pause
• Make eye contact and nod encouragingly

What it means for your child: Your child can learn at their own pace and decide what interests them right now – this strengthens inner confidence and self-regulation.

3. Follow instead of lead: Immerse yourself in the child's world

Children play according to their own logic. When you follow their play ideas, you encourage their creativity and spirit of discovery.

Here’s how:
• Let your child interact with the toy without intervening yourself
• Observe: Which texture fascinates them? Which fruit sounds interesting? Which movement do they repeat?
• Pay attention to facial expressions, sounds, and body language

What it means for your child: You show that their ideas are important. This strengthens self-confidence and trust in their own abilities – an important foundation for later education and upbringing. Educational theory emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy in play.

4. Name what you see

Language develops through connection. When you describe what your child is doing, they not only learn new words but also link them to concrete experiences.

Here’s how:
• Give the right words to what your child is doing (“Your child does – you name it”)
Use simple sentences: “You squeeze the lemon – it squeaks. You find that funny.” Or: “You stroke the pear – it is very soft.”
• Avoid questions, as they can unsettle children

What it means for your child: Your child feels seen and understood. They receive words for what interests them at the moment and thus words for their language development. They experience “feedback” and through that an inner structure and awareness of what they are doing, seeing, feeling, or expressing in sounds.
And along the way, you also strengthen your bond through your loving and appreciative play partnership.

5. Repeat and actively accompany

If your child is engaged with a fruit for a long time – wonderful! They would switch when they are done. Your participation shows them that their way of playing is valuable.

Here’s how:
• Repeat what your child is doing (“You keep pressing the lemon – it squeaks funny!”)
• Stay attentive and present

What it means for your child: This form of support gives your child Textured guidance, orientation, and strengthens the bond between you. In education, this is referred to as the importance of emotional security for successful learning.

Conclusion: Achieve Great Things with Small Impulses

The combination of loving play guidance and thoughtfully designed toys like the Sterntaler fruits shows how early childhood development can succeed in everyday life. You don’t need complicated learning programs – just your presence, your interest, and your mindful support make the difference.

This way, playtime becomes real development time – for social skills, emotional security, language, motor skills, and cognitive development. Education offers many approaches supported by research and social pedagogy.
Try it out and discover how much joy learning together can bring.

Edina Weth Weil

As a certified educator and Marte Meo consultant, she is a mother of two children and is passionately committed to supporting and encouraging families. Her positive attitude and empathy make her an inspiring source of encouragement for both parents and children alike.

Mehr Informationen über Edina Weth Weil findest du hier.

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