Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Edina Weth Weil

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

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

Imagine you are accompanying your child while playing and you know 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 toy 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 for children much more than just a pastime – it is a central part of early childhood support. It is the way through which they develop important skills and actively explore their surroundings. In education, free play is regarded as a key element of child development.

Through mindful guidance in play…

- children learn to get in touch with others and take turns
- develop the little ones' creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills
- 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 appeals to all the senses

With this interactive learning toy, you have a lovingly designed educational aid at your disposal that supports exactly these developmental steps. Whether it’s a crackling strawberry, a squeaking lemon, or the soft pear – hearing, feeling, and seeing are all addressed here equally. This not only promotes cognitive development but also sensory perception, movement skills, and fine movement skills.
Because of 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 benefit for parents who rely on educationally meaningful toys. Modern teaching 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 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 – with a simple toy that allows plenty of room for interaction.

A relaxed atmosphere creates a mood for development

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

Here’s how:
• Speak with a warm, lively voice
• Smile, laugh along
• Reflect positive feelings back

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

2. Growth requires time and space

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

Here’s how:
• Lean back and give your child time to choose the first play 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 for themselves what interests them right now – this strengthens inner security and self-control.

3. Following instead of Leading: Immersing 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 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 that their ideas are important. This strengthens self-confidence and trust in their own abilities – an important foundation for later learning and upbringing. Education stresses the importance of self-effectiveness in play.

4. Name what you see

Language arises 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 actions your child is doing the right words (“Your child does – you name it”)
Use simple sentences: “You press the lemon – it squeaks. You find that funny.” Or: “You stroke the pear – it is very soft.”
• Avoid questions, as these can unsettle children

What this 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 growth. They experience a “feedback” and thereby 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 spends a long time playing with a fruit – wonderful! They would switch when they are done. Your accompanying presence shows them that their way of playing is valuable.

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

What it means for your child: This kind of support gives your child structure, guidance, and strengthens the bond between you. In education, this is called the importance of emotional safety for successful learning.

Conclusion: Achieve great things with small impulses

The combination of loving play guidance and well-thought-out toys like the Sterntaler fruits shows how early childhood support can succeed in everyday life. You do not need complicated learning programs – your presence, your interest, and your mindful accompaniment alone make the difference.

This way, playtime becomes true development time – for social skills, emotional security, language, movement, and cognitive growth. Education offers many approaches supported by research and social education.
Try it out and discover how much joy it brings to learn together.

Edina Weth Weil

As a certified educator and Marte Meo advisor, 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 courage for both parents and children alike.

Mehr Informationen über Edina Weth Weil findest du hier.

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