Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Edina Weth Weil

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

How to support your child’s social and emotional development through play from the very beginning

Imagine accompanying your child at play and knowing for sure: “Now I’m helping them strengthen their emotional and language development in the right way.” Sounds too good to be true? With the educational Marte Meo method and the thoughtfully designed learning toys from Sterntaler, it’s entirely possible – in a completely natural, mindful way, from the very beginning.

In this post, you’ll learn how you can support your child’s play using simple elements from the Marte Meo method – for example, with an educational toy.

Why is play so important for development?

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

With thoughtful guidance during play…

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

A learning toy that engages all the senses

This interactive learning toy gives you a thoughtfully designed educational tool that supports these very developmental milestones. Whether it’s the crinkly strawberry, the squeaky lemon, or the soft pear, hearing, touch, and sight are all engaged. This supports not only cognitive development, but also sensory perception, motor skills and fine motor skills.
With its child-friendly design, this toy is ideal for little hands – and perfect for early learning experiences with colors, shapes, and sounds. This play material offers toddlers a safe, playful introduction to learning with all their senses – a real benefit for parents who value educational toys. Modern education increasingly emphasizes holistic learning toys that engage both body and mind.

Soft Toy S

9,99 €

~~9,99 €~~ 9,99 €

Fruits

The 5 Marte Meo elements of play – and how you can apply them with the educational toy

Here are five elements of the Marte Meo method that you can use to support and encourage your child in everyday life without any extra effort—with a simple toy that leaves plenty of room for interaction.

1. A relaxed atmosphere creates an environment conducive to development.

Shared joy brings people together. When children see that their actions receive a positive response, it strengthens their emotional security. It motivates them to keep exploring and try new things.

Here’s how:
• Speak in an inviting, animated voice
• 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 takes time and space

Many parents want to help and step in early - but children learn best when they’re allowed to try things out for themselves. A “waiting time” can work wonders.

Here’s how:
• Lean back and give your child time to choose the first game piece on their own
• Sit with the silence, even if things get “stuck” for a moment
• Make eye contact and nod encouragingly

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

3. Following Instead of Leading: Enter the Child’s World

Children play according to their own logic. Following their play ideas encourages their creativity and curiosity.

Here’s how:
• Let your child interact with the toy without stepping in 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 them that their ideas matter. This builds 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 don’t just learn new words—they also connect them with concrete experiences.

Here’s how:
• Give what your child is doing the right words (“Your child does it—you name it”)
Use simple sentences: “You’re squeezing the lemon—it squeaks. You think that’s funny.” Or: “You’re stroking the pear—it’s very soft.”
• Avoid questions, as they can make children feel unsure

What it means for your child: Your child feels seen and understood. They learn words for what interests them right now, supporting their language development. They experience “feedback” and, as a result, develop inner Textured and awareness of what they’re doing, seeing, feeling, or expressing in sounds.
And you’ll also strengthen your bond through your loving and appreciative play partnership.

5. Repeat and actively participate

If your child spends a long time exploring a fruit - wonderful! They would move on when they were ready. Following their lead shows them that their way of playing is valuable.

Here’s how:
• Repeat what your child does (“You keep squeezing the lemon - it makes a funny squeaking sound!”)
• Stay attentive and present

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

Conclusion: Make a big difference with small actions

The combination of loving play support and thoughtfully designed toys like the Sterntaler fruits shows how early childhood development can be fostered in everyday life. You don't need complicated learning programs – your presence, interest, and attentive support alone make all the difference.

This turns playtime into real developmental time – for social skills, emotional security, language, motor skills and cognitive development. Pedagogy offers numerous approaches for this, supported by research and social pedagogy.
Try it out and discover how much fun learning together can be.

Edina Weth Weil

As a qualified educator and Marte Meo counselor, she is a mother of two and is passionate about supporting and encouraging families. Her positive attitude and empathy make her an inspiring source of encouragement for parents and children alike.

Mehr Informationen über Edina Weth Weil findest du hier.

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