Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Edina Weth Weil

Educational Toys for Children – Creative Learning Toys for Exploration and Development

Edina Weth-Weil

From Hearts graduate educator, Marte Meo consultant, mother of two children, and encourager.

How to playfully support your child's social-emotional development from the very beginning

Imagine accompanying your child while playing and knowing exactly: "Now I am 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 post, 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
    • children build 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 these developmental steps. Whether it's the crackling strawberry, the squeaky lemon, or the soft pear – hearing, touching, and seeing are all equally engaged. 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 rely on educationally meaningful toys. Modern pedagogy increasingly focuses on holistic educational toys that activate both body and mind.
Soft Toy S

Soft Toy S

Soft Toy S

9,99 €
9,99 € 9,99 €

Fruits

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 – with a simple toy that offers plenty of room for interaction.

1. A relaxed atmosphere creates a productive development mood

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

Here’s how:
• Speak with an inviting, melodic voice
• Smile, 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 intervene 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 are pauses
• Make eye contact and nod encouragingly


What it means for your child: Your child is allowed to learn at their own pace and decide what interests them at the moment – this strengthens inner security and self-regulation.

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

Children play according to their own logic. By following their play ideas, you promote 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 exciting? 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. Pedagogy 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 what your child is doing the right words (“Your child does – you name it”)
Use simple sentences: “You’re squeezing the lemon – it squeaks. You find that funny.” Or: “You’re stroking the pear – it’s 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 thereby an inner Textured 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 funnily!”)
• Stay attentive and present


What it means for your child: This form of support gives your child Textured, orientation, and strengthens the bond between you. In pedagogy, 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 thoughtful 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 turns playtime into 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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