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Friday 17 January 2025

Building Bright Minds: Educational Games for Toddlers

By Lisa Gill

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The early years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, and play is one of the most effective ways to support that growth. For toddlers, engaging in educational games can help lay the foundation for cognitive skills, creativity and early learning that will benefit them throughout their lives.  

At Maltman’s Green Independent Day Care and Nursery in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, we believe that learning should be fun, and we encourage parents to explore different types of play that will engage their children while fostering key developmental skills. 

Why Play is Important 

During the toddler years, a child’s brain is like a sponge, absorbing everything from new words to social cues. Playing with educational games can strengthen important areas such as memory, problem-solving, and motor skills. At Maltman’s Green, we place a strong focus on creating a stimulating environment where pupils can explore and learn through play during their time in day care and nursery. 

Research shows that play-based learning boosts a child’s confidence and cognitive abilities. By encouraging your toddler to participate in structured yet fun activities, you’re helping them prepare for preschool and beyond. 

Fun and Educational Game Ideas for Toddlers 

Here are some of our favourite educational games at Maltman’s that you can easily do at home to entertain your toddler: 

1. Shape Sorters: Perfect for improving hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. As your toddler learns to match shapes, they’ll also begin to understand the basics of geometry.

2. Memory Matching Cards: This classic game helps with concentration and memory. Start with simple animal or object cards, then work up to more complex patterns to challenge your toddler’s growing mind. 

3. Counting Games: Use objects like blocks or toys to help your toddler learn basic counting. Make it fun by turning everyday activities like tidying up into counting exercises.

4. Puzzle Play: Age-appropriate puzzles are fantastic for teaching patience and problem-solving. It also helps develop fine motor skills as toddlers manipulate pieces to fit them into place.

5. Interactive Storytelling: Make story time even more engaging by encouraging your child to participate. Ask questions about the story, let them guess what happens next, and prompt them to point out colours, shapes, and numbers. 

How Maltman’s Green Supports Early Learning Through Play 

At Maltman’s Green Day Care and Nursery for girls, we incorporate play-based learning throughout the day. Our Early Years pupils enjoy access to purpose-built outdoor areas, where they can engage with nature and learn through exploration.  

Whether it’s counting leaves in the woodland school or playing imaginative games in our nursery classroom, our Early Years programme is designed to nurture each child’s unique potential. Located within an acre site with woodland and fields in Gerrards Cross, your girls can explore and embrace the full nursery experience.  

At Maltman’s Green, unlike conventional day nurseries, we combine flexible daycare hours with the exceptional facilities and expert instruction of an independent school. 

Visit Maltman’s Green Early Years 

Want to learn more about how we support early childhood development? We invite you to visit Maltman’s Green and discover why our daycare and nursery is the perfect place for your child to begin their educational journey. 

Book a visit to our next open day, subscribe to our Baby Hub for more parenting tips and updates on early learning activities or apply for your child’s nursery place today. 

Toddler activity for motor and sensory development concept. Baby hands with colorful wooden toys on table from above.

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