A place to play and learn. DIY kits for educators, parents and children.

Featured

Police Officer – Dramatic Play Kit

When I think back to my own childhood, one of the first dramatic play experiences that comes to mind is “Cops and Robbers.” Working in an early learning centre, I’ve noticed that children often weave this theme into many of their play scenarios. It makes me wonder what draws them to it. Perhaps it gives them a sense of control, or maybe it’s a way to rehearse how they might respond in a risky situation. What we do know for sure is that play allows children to practice important skills and problem-solving in a safe, imaginative way. This activity is a great way to teach children about community workers, safety and emergency workers in a fun, hands-on way!

This little kit was simple to put together: a blue vest (sewn and embroidered by my mother), handcuffs, a pen, a police hat, traffic tickets, and a driver’s license. That’s all it took to spark hours of imaginative play. Just be careful not to litter around this police officer. I learned the hard way! I received a strict warning to clean up and was even issued a million dollar ticket for a traffic violation. Yikes!

Yarn Turtles Kit

Relax and focus. An excellent activity for indoors or out.

This kit simply consists of wooden sticks and yarn. You can also add markers to add your own special touches.

For younger children, I glue the wooden sticks together in advance. If your child’s coordination is advanced, there is no need to glue.

Show your child how to weave the yarn in and out between the sticks and Voila!

…Don’t forget to name your new pet!

Quote

Tea Party Dramatic Play Kit

Who wouldn’t want to explore this invitation to play? Children love aesthetics as much as we do. A play area should be clean, organized and inviting.

Welcome to the tea party. Using real items instead of store bought toys instills a sense of responsibility and trust. To create this set, I purchased tea cups at a thrift store along with a small tea pot and tray. I created cookies, pies and tea bags from felt. Teaspoons and a honey jar where also added to create this whimsical play experience.

This play activity was set outside on a beautiful fall day to add to the sensory experience. Real teabags were added to the kit so children could experience the scent of real tea. Did you know that by connecting a play experience to each of the 5 senses, it will make it more memorable and in turn create a stronger learning experience?

This activity is a great way to teach turn-taking, sharing and language, while developing motor skills.

Wooden Letters Kit

Move on from boring spelling pages.

Like I have mentioned over and over again…the best way to learn is through play.

This is one of my go-to activities with a group of kindergarten children. I find that a great way to get them engaged, is to have them search for a stick with their name on it. Children love to see their name!

Using wooden sticks, I wrote simple words with a permanent marker. Paint would work as well.

Wooden letters were purchased at Dollarama. These educational kits do not have to cost a fortune. This activity cost under $6.00 to create. There are enough pieces included for a group of 8 children.

I love the simplicity and natural feel of these products, rather than using the typical plastic letters.

A small basket, container or box can keep your kit tidy.

Go Fish Game Kit

This kit was created when I was asked to design a resource that introduced children to math concepts. With pieces of felt, I stitched up some little fish and attached a paper clip to each mouth. Googly eyes were glued onto the fish and a play mat was created with a blue fabric. Rods were made with dowels, string, and magnets purchased at a dollar store.

Children can learn separating colors, counting, addition and subtraction through this play experience. They can also develop social skills such as turn-taking. It is an excellent way to develop motor skills. All this learning can happen while children think they’re just playing a game.

How many fish can you get biting?

The Calm Down Kit

Every child needs some help to regulate their emotions at some point. Whether they are over-stimulated, exhausted or just need a little time to themselves, this kit can help them find the balance they are needing.

With this calm down kit, I have added a variety of items that can be soothing or comforting. The items included are: a kaleidoscope, play dough, stuffed animal, guitar, puzzle, book about emotions, pinwheel, hand clapping toy, calculator, and a liquid timer.

On the cover of the kit, I’ve posted a variety of emojis to help the child communicate how they are feeling.

It helps to provide a variety of items that include smell, sound, touch and visuals, as all children have individual sensory needs.

Winter Wonderland Small World

What is a small world? It is a style of play where an area is set up with the use of small props. These props or toys can be used in imaginative play where children can create scenarios or re-enact stories they have heard. These small worlds enhance imagination, develop motor skills and build self-esteem.

Looking back onto my own childhood, I believe my first small world was the Christmas manger that my mom would place under our tree each year. The hand painted figurines and miniature wooden building were something new, beautiful, and far too enticing not to play with. I clearly remember my mother reminding me each year of her expectations on how these pieces should be treated. I would spend hours reenacting the story of Christmas by following the Star of Bethlehem and pretending to have the three wise men offer their gifts. As a child this was what I was in taught in Sunday school, therefore it was natural for me to play out this scenario.

This winter wonderland was definitely inspired by my own play experiences as a child. I wanted to build an activity where children could contribute to the design, while feeling trusted with something special. The glass beads and mini string lights offer that feeling of using items that are delicate or “grown up items”. Try to reuse items that you may already have in your home, and encourage children to create their own props. I chose to create my small world on a galvanized tray as this made it easy to move from one area to another. I liked the idea of adding a string of lights to create the feeling of being outdoors on a winter’s night. Living in Canada, winter sports is a huge part of our heritage, so these little hockey player figurines were perfect. You could also use dolls, fairies or toy animals. I think of these small worlds as non-traditional fairy gardens. These blue crystals were found in my craft cabinet and were perfect for creating ice. Cotton balls and small wooden stumps were available so they were also added. The little house was purchased at a dollarstore. Wooden houses like this one above are a wonderful painting project for children. Remember, the point of these play activities is to use as many items that you already have on hand. Get creative and have fun.

Score!

QUOTE

The Construction Kit

Construction season is just around the corner! I just love this little kit. With a small tool box, this can easily be made in just minutes. I printed road signs and protected them with laminating sheets. (Hint: laminating paper is sold at Dollarama). Next, strips were cut from a black poster paper, and I added yellow tape to create roads. Small construction vehicles completed the activity. Toy vehicles can be purchased at any toy store or dollar store. You might already have some kicking around.

What a great way for children to learn about our community workers and learn the rules of the road.

When children play with a friend, they can take turns getting the job done. An excellent opportunity to develop social skills.

Now, better get to work! HONK!

QUOTE

Sushi Restaurant Dramatic Play Kit

I’ve always been fascinated by the dishes that regions around the world serve. Food has such a way of bringing people together, and the presentation is a wonderful way of displaying traditions or symbols. Sushi being mostly associated with the Japanese culture is a beautiful example of this.

I believe it’s important for children to be exposed to a variety of foods at a young age. It’s also crucial that children of all cultures be represented in play. Imagine the learning children can experience having their cultural dishes with other children. What a great way to share!

I created this kit so that children could learn about foods around the world. This isn’t just a culture and nutrition activity though…children also gain motor skill development while learning to use chopsticks. As a parent or educator, get involved in the play, and talk to your children about your own traditional dishes.

This kit took about an hour to create. The rolls were created with felt and a glue gun. The dishes I already had on hand, along with the chopsticks. A simple menu was designed, and I added an empty bottle of soya sauce.

Did you know that whenever it’s possible, let children use real items instead of toys. It’s recommended that as long as they are safe and the children are supervised, trusting them with these items teaches responsibility. Children feel trusted and capable. This builds their self-esteem and self confidence.

Tropical Vacation Dramatic Play Kit

We all need a break every now and then. Especially through the long winter months. Why not pack our bags and a take trip where we can soak up the sun?

This kit was so easy to put together and provides many learning opportunities for the little ones. Introduce new words on passports, tickets, and signs. Teach the importance of protecting yourself from the sun with proper clothing, a hat and sunscreen.

Supply books to read in their leisure time. Add a pail, shovel, sunglasses, food, drinks, beach towels and a beach bag. You could also include music shakers, a beach chair, grass skirts, a cooler, sun umbrella, a beach ball and an old camera. Enjoy the trip!

Don’t forget music to set the summer vibes🎶.

Water Play Kit

There’s something about water that attracts children to a play area. You can easily create this kit with items you already have in your home or childcare centre. I created this play experience as a way of teaching measurements. I included measuring cups, measuring spoons, various container of different sizes, funnels, and a baster.

I recommend bringing this kit outside on a hot day. You could even add some ice cubes. How refreshing does this look?

What a great science and math lesson all in one!

A Day At The Office – Dramatic Play Kit

Have you ever considered how much children look up to us? They are watching everything we do, and often imitate the adults in their life while they play.

With the help of my father in-law, who was cleaning his office, I created this little kit. I can’t stress it enough … ask people to let you know when they are getting rid of items. Most of the supplies in these kits are second hand. It’s a great way to reuse items and reduce waste.

This kit includes a laptop made of printouts and a black file folder, (if you have an old computer or laptop kicking around, up-cycle to the play kit), an assortment of pens, pencils, paper, a notebook, a telephone, a set of non prescription glasses, a computer mouse, keyboard, an old blazer, clip on tie, briefcase and a calculator.

This is great way to expose children to new words, letters and numbers. Remember you can add books, a calendar, and envelopes.

Try to not interrupt children when they are in pretend play. It takes time for them to become fully immersed into becoming a character. Let them play, and they will learn more than you can imagine.

Off to work now!

Camping Dramatic Play Kit

Do you ever wonder why children pretend when they play? Why do they act like another person, or act out scenarios they may have seen or heard? Pretend play, or dramatic play is a child’s way of practicing new skills and vocabulary. Play gives them the opportunity to try something they haven’t done before without the pressure of doing it right.

I thought of creating this camping kit for a group of children who were talking about a recent camping trip. I could see the envy and curiosity of the children who had never done anything like it before. I was guided by the children’s interest to give them this experience, even if it was “just play”.

I started with a small tent that I had purchased years ago at a garage sale. I added my old camping dishes, a table cloth, and created a set of binoculars from paper rolls.

A camping lamp, pillows, a rug and a bird book were added. I created sticks with marshmallows to roast, and made a little camp fire with scraps of felt.

When creating a dramatic play kit, you want to consider what children can actually do, and what supplies you will need to encourage the play. If you need some help, I’ve provided a list below to get you started.

Remember that you can also use this kit indoors. Imagine your child in the long winter months, needing a relaxing getaway. Set this up with some blankets, pillows or a sleeping bag. Let the fun begin!!!

Supply List: Tent (or bed sheets to create a fort), items to create a pretend campfire, marshmallows on a stick, lantern, camp ground map, binoculars, park ranger vest and badge, park pass, hole punch, cooler, flashlight, camp dishes, bottles for pretend bug spray and sunscreen, lawn chair and a book about camping or nature.

A huge thank you to Louise Anderson Photo Media for capturing these moments.

The Lock Kit

One of my most popular kits with school age children is “the lock kit”.

This activity was created when I noticed children showing signs of anxiety over having a locker for the first time. They needed some help to learn how to use a lock. Something that seems simple to us can be stressful to a child if they have never experienced it before. In this kit I included a variety of key locks and combination locks.

*Make sure your child is ready for the combinations before introducing them. It is important for a child to be challenged, but not so much that they feel frustrated and discouraged. Remember the goal is to build self-esteem. I would suggest starting with just key locks for younger children.

The 5 Senses Rock Kit

River Rock, magazines, scissors and mod podge (or white glue). It’s that simple to make this silly play activity for your child or students. Kids can learn the five senses with a hands-on experience. Simply cut out a selection of eyes, noses, mouths, ears and hands from magazines. Then mod podge or glue them onto stones. Discuss the five senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch) and have the children make silly characters. These can be done anywhere inside or out. I enjoy using wooden stumps or trays to hold their designs.

Guaranteed giggles included!

The Curly Straw Kit

Colors, counting, sorting and patterns. All beginner math concepts for children.

Are you looking for creative ways for your child to learn these important skills?

This kit is very simple to create. All you need is a set of curly straws, and pieces of felt in several colors. Cut the pieces of felt into circles and slit the center with a hole large enough to pass the straw through. These straws were purchased at Dollar Tree. I’ve used this kit multiple times, and children are instantly drawn to the colorful straws. They’re always interested in playing with strange new items.

You can encourage children to count the pieces, sort by color, or create all types of patterns. So much learning! The best part is … it’s fun!

Wooden Tic Tac Toe Kit

Connect to nature using natural products.

This activity doesn’t only serve as a game, but also a sensory experience. Children can feel the textures while observing the natural lines and knots in the wood. This kit can be taken anywhere, and I love to bring it outside. It just feels like that’s where it should be. The small box is convenient to bring along on a picnic, or to the park to play with a friend.

A excellent game to teach children problem-solving skills and turn-taking.

Albert Einstein Quote

The Gardener Dramatic Play Kit

One of my favorite little kits! Teach children all about plants, from seed to harvest as they pretend to grow their very own garden. They will learn about the environment and nutrition which is incredibly important to their well-being.

I was inspired to create this kit after spending some time in a garden center. I look forward every spring to preparing for a new season of growth. It is such a peaceful and rewarding experience having a garden to creating food from start to finish. I hope that this kit inspires some new young gardeners!

Props that can be used in a gardening play kit: various plants and flowers (real or artificial as long as the real plants are non-toxic), gardening gloves, black beans or soil, seed/bulbs, garden tools, a planting station (boxes and containers), gardening images and words, gardening books or magazines, flyers, watering can, a sun hat, and a stuffed bunny. Little insects can also be added to teach about the role they have in the garden. I like to extend this play into an art activity with some plastic garden spikes and markers so children can draw the plants. This is always a hit! Remember that adding books or magazines is a great way to promote literacy.

***Through dramatic play, children come in and out of roles, and can imitate others. Kids can re-enact something they have heard or seen. This gives children an opportunity practice communication such as listening and speaking skills. Social skills are also practiced through their interactions. They learn to take turns, share items, and can practice empathy by “putting themselves in someone-else’s shoes. This type of play also builds confidence and problem-solving skills. They learn to self-regulate. The use of materials gives children a chance to develop motor skills, while learning about the items and their purpose.

Be sure to provide a variety of items to choose from, and give your child plenty of uninterrupted play time to allow them to delve deep into Pretend Land.

Outdoor Tic Tac Toe Kit

I was inspired to create an outdoor kit for an early childhood education center because they share a large outdoor playground with a school. The grounds are bare besides a play structure and a picnic table. Permanent toys and equipment can not be left out. Kits such as this one are a perfect solution.

This was very simple to make. A table cloth (cut into a square) along with duct tape was all that was needed to design the mat. Then I purchased 10 small frisbees to be used as the game chips.

This activity is an excellent way to get children moving! It can develop their motor skills and help develop a sense of distance.

Did you know that “games with rules” are important for school aged children. Through these games they are encouraged to take turns, share and learn about competition and cooperation.

Baby Bath Time – Dramatic Play Kit

Dolls are one of the oldest toys around, while being one of the most important. Did you know that when children play with dolls, they can learn responsibility, compassion and empathy. They can develop skills that can help them take care of others around them. Dramatic or imaginary play requires children to come in and out of a variety of roles. This fosters creativity and allows them to practice different skills while pretending to be someone else.

This baby bath kit can teach children about caring for a baby. What a great way to get a child ready for a new sibling! Through this dramatic play kit, they can bathe, diaper, clothe and feed a baby. They can practice being loving and gentle.

This kit includes a water safe doll, plastic basin, a soft blanket, bath towel, wash cloths, a shampoo bottle (filled with water), rubber duckies, a bath toy, bubbles, a diaper, pajama set, and a baby bottle.

I add water for the children to actually bathe the doll, as I feel it’s important for children to have sensory connections to an activity.

A special thank you to Rag Treasure Doll Co. for the homemade pyjama set.

Looks like someone is cozy and ready for a good night sleep.

Famous Structures Kit

When a child builds with blocks, it may not seem like anything important, but in reality there is an incredible amount of learning going on. Building with blocks teaches children about gravity and balance, as they have to learn to place blocks in just the right places. They learn about shapes and sizes. Vocabulary, colors, and counting can also be part of the experience. Children may also develop their social skills while building with a friend. Together they must problem solve, share and take turns. Using their hands to grip and place the blocks can help to develop their gross and fine motor skills.

I started this activity as a social studies activity by creating a book filled with photos and facts about famous structures from around the world. I included places such as the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, a suspension bridge, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Easter Island Statues, Stonehenge, and the Colosseum. To really grab their attention, I included a local attraction with an interesting architecture. In my case, this was the Museum of Human Rights located in Winnipeg, Canada. The children were excited to recognize a place so close to home.

Calendar photos, posters, or architecture magazines can be included instead of a handmade book if you are short on time or resources. Blocks can usually be purchased at a dollar store or thrift store if you are on a tight budget.

Magnetic Letters Kit

Remember sitting on the hard kitchen floor, magnetic letters in hand, sticking them to the refrigerator door? With this little kit, your child or students can practice spelling ANYWHERE! With a mini baking sheet, and these little patterned letters, who wouldn’t want to practice making new words?

I created this kit for children attending a kindergarten program. I included 8 mini baking sheets, magnetic letters and recipe cards containing simple beginner words. All the contents fit in a container approximately the size of an adult shoe box.

This is an excellent introduction to the alphabet and for children learning to spell basic words.

String Art Kit

Remember your parent’s or grandparent’s old string art hanging on the walls in the 70s? Did you ever imagine this trend would come back? Well I have to admit, I love this trend and I’m excited to see it’s return. I was inspired by my sister’s homemade custom art of a mason jar that represents my love of canning. It hangs proudly in my kitchen. I thought this would be a great way to introduce using a hammer and nails to my school age children. Check out a couple simpler versions that I’ve created for a range of ages and abilities.

A simple version created with push pins and yarn for my 4-6 year old children.

With a cork trivet, push pins or nails, hammer and string, children can create all types of designs.

For my older students, I prefer using small nails and a hammer. I also add some simple paper designs or they can create their own.

Remember that when using tools or sharp objects, children must be supervised, and safety expectations need to be explained clearly before starting.

Such a great way for children to express their artistic side. Try to provide of variety of colored string. Wood can also be used instead of the cork trivets. To extend this activity if using wood, children can sand the block before creating the design. This is an excellent motor skill activity while developing hand/eye coordination.

The Bug Discovery Kit

What is an entomologist? This question gets the children’s attention every time. They want to learn something new and exciting. Why not expand their vocabulary while they play by using big words they’ve never heard before?

I created the Bug Discovery Kit to teach my students the importance of insects. How every creature on Earth has a purpose. Everyone and everything should be handled with gentle care. I included books, magnifying glasses, a bug catcher, net and tweezers. A custom book was created of insects that are native to our area. Pictures were printed along with fascinating facts about creepy crawlers. Children can learn the insects names and body parts. They can research what they eat and how the bug itself can be a food source. Children can learn the role that insects play in the ecosystem, and the delicate balance that exists.

I would recommend expanding this activity by adding pencils, crayons, clipboards, paper, clay or paints. This science experiment could easily go on for hours or days.

Most of these products and books were purchased at thrift stores and dollar stores. It doesn’t require much to create this great science activity.

Now go catch some bugs! Just remember to handle them carefully.

Learning Through Play

I truly believe that children learn best when they are fully present in an activity and feel free to explore. When all five senses are engaged, we create stronger memories and the experience becomes more meaningful. Think back to your favorite childhood memories. Were your strongest lessons learned sitting behind a desk, or were they created on a field trip, during recess, or while playing in the park? I bet you can remember vividly the sounds, tastes, smells, textures and sights. Through this blog, you can easily create meaningful play kits for your children or students. With a little bit of time, and a tiny bit of skill, you can do this. Each kit has specific learning objectives built in. The best part is, these kits are all fun and exciting!