What children play with—and how they play—has a direct impact on their learning and development. While toy packaging often includes age recommendations, these labels don’t tell the full story. Choosing toys and creating activities that are truly developmentally appropriate requires a deeper understanding of children’s abilities, interests, and growth stages.

In this course, you’ll learn how to evaluate toys and activities beyond the suggested age range, taking into account factors such as safety, skill-building potential, cultural relevance, and adaptability for diverse needs. We’ll explore how different materials and play experiences support physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth, and how to match them to the unique needs of the children in your care.

You’ll also gain strategies for adapting toys and activities to accommodate varying skill levels, learning styles, and developmental milestones, ensuring that every child can engage meaningfully and successfully. From selecting the right puzzles and building materials to designing creative art and sensory experiences, you’ll discover ways to maximize the learning potential of play.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently curate and create activities that not only capture children’s interest but also support their holistic development—helping them grow, explore, and thrive through purposeful play.