These simple activities for children from birth to six help children to develop physically, socially and cognitively. The suggestions range from quiet play, active play outside play and make-believe play.

Play enables children to learn new concepts and develop new skills.

• Playing board games can develop number skills.
• Threading beads can help children learn about colour and shape.
• Cutting pictures out of magazines can become an opportunity to develop language skills and vocabulary.
• Playing with blocks can develop key maths concepts such as sorting, grouping and estimating.
• A wealth of ideas to help parents and carers to extend children's learning through play.