This fortnight we're exploring all the wonderful ways maths happens naturally through play. Early maths is SO much more than counting numbers. It's recognising patterns, shapes and colours, sorting objects, exploring measurement (tall, short, big, small) and using positional words like under, over, between and beside. It's also exploring capacity through water play, full, empty, overflowing, more and less! 💦 My tip this fortnight: Simply introduce mathematical language verbally as your child plays. e.g. "You put the person inside the house and the tree is outside the house". Download your Play Drop, check the resource list on the last page and choose an activity to enjoy together. Our song is Rocketship Run by The Laurie Berkner Band 🚀, perfect for practising counting backwards while moving our bodies. I feel like kids are obsessed with their ages so learning 'their' number and making it out of craft materials is a winner. Cheering you on, Zoe x

This fortnight we're getting into the Halloween spirit with lots of playful (not too spooky!) activities. Think bubbling potions, pumpkin painting, spooky caves and dress-ups! 👻 1. Download your new Play Drop so you have it forever. 2. Check the resource list on the last page — you might have most things already! 3. Choose one activity and enjoy some playful moments together. A little tip for this fortnight: I highly recommend making a double batch of the Halloween potions mixture and storing half in an airtight container. It's the most cost-effective recipe I've found, doesn't require vinegar and is always a HUGE hit with children! And remember, Halloween doesn't need to be scary. If your little one isn't interested in bats, spiders or spooky things, follow their interests and adapt the activities to suit them. 💕 Need a helping hand? Pop a question in the community or send me a message. I'd LOVE to see your Halloween creations this fortnight, so please share a photo in the comments! Cheering you on, Zoe x

This fortnight we're heading outdoors to explore, collect, create and discover all the wonderful things nature has to offer! 🍃 1. Download your new Play Drop so you have it forever. 2. Check the resource list on the last page, you'll probably have most things already! 3. Choose one activity and enjoy some playful moments together. A little tip for this fortnight: Try the Nature Treasure Hunt before setting up your Nature Soup water play. Your little one can collect leaves, flowers and other natural treasures to use as ingredients. Two activities that work beautifully together! 🌸 Our song this fortnight is Tap Your Sticks by Hap Palmer. It's a little more challenging, but such a wonderful opportunity to practise patience, listening and following instructions. It also encourages children to cross the midline of their body, reaching across the imaginary line that divides our left and right sides. This is an important skill that supports coordination and everyday activities like drawing, getting dressed and using both hands together. Remember, little ones don't need to master every movement. Watching, trying and having fun are all part of the learning! 💕 I'd love to see what nature-inspired play you get up to this fortnight, so please share a photo in the comments. 🎃 And a little sneak peek, our next Play Drop will have a Halloween theme (not spooky)! Cheering you on, Zoe x

This fortnight we're heading In the Kitchen with lots of simple opportunities to scoop, pour, create, pretend and play using things you probably already have at home. I observe that kids LOVE pretend kitchen play. 1. Download your Play Drop so you have it forever. 2. Check the resource list on the last page. 3. Choose one activity to try In our house lately we've been keeping play really simple, lots of drawing, pulling out weeds in the garden, painting with tempera paint discs and games of Connect 4. I'd love to see what you're playing too! Share a photo below if you try something from this fortnight's drop. 💕 Cheering you on, Zoe x

It has a Tinker & Wonder theme this fortnight, lots of opportunities to explore, experiment and create without worrying about an end result. 1. Download the new Play Drop #5 so you have your copy forever. Keep it digital or print it. 2. Work out what resources you need to source. The list on the last page makes it easy to scan. 3. Choose one activity and watch the magic unfold. A little reminder for this fortnight: you don't always need to show your child how to play. Sometimes the best thing we can do is put out a few interesting resources, step back and see what happens. It can be SO tempting to jump in, show them how something works or help when they're struggling (teacher and mum over here 🙋‍♀️), but there is so much learning happening when children have the time to tinker and figure things out themselves. Try swapping instructions for curiosity: "I wonder what will happen if...?" "What else could you try?" "What did you notice?" Or sometimes, say nothing at all and just observe. 💙 This fortnight I'm going to pull out a cardboard tube and some cars for the Ramp & Roll activity. Such a ridiculously simple setup, but I know my kids will love experimenting with what they can send flying down it. 😅 Have a fab fortnight and please share a photo of a Play Drop activity in action. I LOVE seeing what actually happens with these ideas in your homes, especially when your child's play takes the activity in a completely different direction! I'm always here to help. Cheering you on, Zoe x