Attached some lovely Valentines activities below! 💕

You might have noticed the Fun Activities for Children tab — and I wanted to share a little about what’s taking root there 🌱 Over time I’ll be adding creative, gentle learning ideas you can dip into with your children. Think simple activities that support connection, regulation, imagination and curiosity — without pressure or perfection. Some will be calming, some playful, some sensory-based… all designed to meet children where they are. This is a space you can come back to whenever you need a spark of inspiration on a busy day. And if you try something from there, I’d love to hear how it goes or see what you create together 💛 Ellie 🌿

At first glance, this looks like simple play. In reality, a setup like this supports multiple layers of sensory, emotional, and cognitive development — particularly for neurodivergent children. Different textures offer varied sensory input: some grounding, some alerting, some organising. This allows children to self-select what their nervous system needs in that moment. For a child who is overwhelmed, slow repetitive movements like scooping or pouring can be regulating. For a child seeking input, firmer or noisier materials can help meet that need safely. Because the play is open-ended, it removes performance pressure. There’s no expectation to create something specific or follow instructions. This is especially important for ND children who may already spend large parts of their day managing demands. Here, they are in control — choosing, repeating, abandoning, returning. Imaginative play often emerges after regulation. Vehicles become characters, textures become landscapes, stories develop organically. Language, sequencing, and problem-solving are layered in naturally, rather than being demanded upfront. What looks like “just play” is actually: • nervous system regulation • sensory integration • fine motor development • imaginative and symbolic thinking • autonomy and agency And perhaps most importantly — it communicates safety. The message is: you don’t need to perform to belong here. That’s where real engagement begins.

I’ve gathered 11 years of tuff tray memories, and it made me think about how much sensory play really supports children — not just mine, but all the little ones I’ve worked with over the years. It helps with confidence, calm, curiosity, and understanding the world through their senses. Nothing perfect or Pinterest-worthy… just simple, meaningful play. If anyone wants easy, low-pressure sensory ideas to try at home, keep an eye out for daily tuff tray posts! Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences with us!! 🍃💛 Sensory play isn’t just “fun”… it’s how children learn. Tuff trays gave my kids: ✨ a safe way to explore textures, colours, pouring, scooping ✨ early problem-solving and creativity ✨ practice with fine motor skills ✨ emotional regulation through calm, repetitive actions ✨ confidence in trying new things ✨ imagination without limits ✨ a way to process the world when words weren’t enough For ND kids especially, sensory play is grounding. It gives them control, predictability, and a space to regulate. Looking back at all these photos reminded me of something important: children don’t need perfect setups — just opportunities to explore. I’ll be sharing some of our favourites over the next few weeks, along with gentle ideas for parents who want to try sensory play without the overwhelm. No pressure, no perfection… just simple, grounded moments that help little humans grow. 💚

This week’s tray is all about natural materials, sensory regulation, and open-ended play. Soil, petals, leaves, stones and water invite children to explore with their hands at their own pace. There’s no right way to play here — just space to dig, sort, pour, line up, mix, and notice. 🧠 Why this supports development: Builds sensory integration through different textures, weights and temperatures Supports emotional regulation — repetitive, earthy play is calming for many children Encourages fine motor skills (pinching petals, moving stones, scooping soil) Develops language naturally as children describe what they’re doing Allows control and autonomy, which is especially supportive for ND and PDA-profile children Nature-based trays like this meet children where they are — no demands, no outcomes, just meaningful play. Every Thursday we explore a different tuff tray, each supporting development in a slightly different way 🌿