---
title: Blog - Play'n'Learn - Educational Resources | Early Childhood Education Centre
description: Early Childhood Education Centre | Play'n'Learn's early childhood blog for teachers and early childhood centres. Learn helpful information and get tips on the latest child development and resources that are available for early childhood education.
---

[![Play'n'Learn](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/logo.png)](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz)

[![Phone](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/phone-icon.png) 0508 111 444](tel:0508111444)

[About Us](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/about-us/) [Contact Us](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/contact-us/)

![Divider](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/divider.png)

[Login](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/my-account/)

|

[Signup](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/my-account/)

![Divider](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/divider.png)

[**](https://www.facebook.com/playnlearnnz) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/play-n-learn?trk=company_logo)

When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to go to the desired page. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.

[![Cart](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/cart-icon.png) ](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre/page/1#collapseExample)

## [What is Snoezelen®](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-snoezelen)

 Posted by [Play'n'Learn](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/author/playnlearn) on 5/04/24 4:11 PM

[![](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/53722.jpg) ](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-snoezelen)

### **

[Read More](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-snoezelen)

 Topics: [Early Childhood Education Centre](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre), [Child Development](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/child-development), [Neurodiversity](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/neurodiversity)

## [Preventing Common Injuries in Early Childhood Centres](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-a-snoezelen-room-0)

 Posted by [Play'n'Learn](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/author/playnlearn) on 25/03/24 12:47 PM

[![](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/53722.jpg) ](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-a-snoezelen-room-0)

### **

[Read More](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-a-snoezelen-room-0)

 Topics: [Early Childhood Education Centre](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre), [Child Development](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/child-development), [Neurodiversity](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/neurodiversity)

## [What is a Snoezelen® Sensory Room? (SEN)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-a-snoezelen-room)

 Posted by [Play'n'Learn](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/author/playnlearn) on 20/03/24 11:49 AM

[![](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/53722.jpg) ](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-a-snoezelen-room)

### **

[Read More](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/what-is-a-snoezelen-room)

 Topics: [Early Childhood Education Centre](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre), [Child Development](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/child-development), [Neurodiversity](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/neurodiversity)

## [Fuelling Young Minds: Unleashing the Power of Early Math and Literacy Learning](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/fuelling-young-minds-unleashing-the-power-of-early-math-and-literacy-learning)

 Posted by [Hadleigh Witty](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/author/hadleigh-witty) on 25/08/23 5:06 PM

[![](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-08-25%20at%205.11.06%20PM-1.png) ](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/fuelling-young-minds-unleashing-the-power-of-early-math-and-literacy-learning)

### **

> *"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X*

In a fast-paced world bursting with technology and innovation, a troubling trend is emerging: a decline in children's math and reading skills. These two bedrock abilities are like secret keys to unlocking a child's potential. That's why it's crucial to introduce little ones to math and literacy from an early age. Play n Learn gets this importance and is making learning a fun and exciting adventure with their alphabet awareness resources and math-infused games.

#### **Troubling Trends: Math and Literacy Skills on the Decline**

 Global tests like PISA and NAEP are telling us something concerning – children's math and reading skills are slipping. This isn't just a matter of grades; it's about giving children the tools they need to succeed. Strong math and literacy skills aren't just for school; they're for life. From solving everyday problems to chasing dreams, these skills pave the way.

#### **Why Start Early? The Power of a Head Start**

Ever notice how little sponges soak up everything around them? Children’s brains are like that – soaking up knowledge faster than you can blink. That's why getting them into math and literacy early is a game-changer. The basics like [numbers](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/?s=numbers&post_type=product), [shapes](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product/reading-comprehension-cubes/), [colours](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/?s=llearning+colour&post_type=product), and [words](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/early-literacy/)? They're the stepping stones to big ideas later on.

#### **Play ‘n Learn: Where Learning Gets a Playful Twist**

Play n Learn is shaking things up in the education scene. Instead of dull lessons, they're all about learning through play. Their alphabet fun and [math-packed games](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/early-maths/math-games/) make sure children learn while having a blast.

#### **Why Fun Matters: Turning Learning into a Love Affair**

Ever seen a child light up when they solve a puzzle or say a new word? That's the magic of learning with a dash of fun. When math and literacy become exciting adventures, children want to dive in. Those games that involve numbers or [matching shapes](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/early-maths/colours-shapes/)? They're not just playing – they're building blocks for the future.

 

Contact [sales@playnlearn.co.nz](mailto:sales@playnlearn.co.nz) if interested in any specific Maori-inspired or cultural resources or check out our [website](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/playnlearnnz) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/playnlearnnz/).

[Read More](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/fuelling-young-minds-unleashing-the-power-of-early-math-and-literacy-learning)

 Topics: [Early Childhood Education Centre](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre), [Child Development](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/child-development), [Neurodiversity](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/neurodiversity)

## [The Environment as an Activator for Learning - by Nea Elyoussoufi](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/the-environment-as-an-activator-for-learning)

 Posted by [Laura Porter](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/author/laura-porter) on 17/06/22 12:11 PM

[![The Magic of Glow](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/Activator%20for%20Learning_social.jpg) ](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/the-environment-as-an-activator-for-learning)

# The Environment

## As an Activator for Learning

The Environment as the Third Educator

The physical learning environment is an important part of pre-school and children’s learning. It is known as the third educator. The concept of “the environment as the third educator“ originates from the Reggio Emilia philosophy and is about the importance of the environment, what is offered and how the material is presented.

[Read More](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/the-environment-as-an-activator-for-learning)

 Topics: [Teaching Philosophies](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/teaching-philosophies), [Early Childhood Education Centre](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre), [Child Development](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/child-development)

[All posts](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/all) [Next](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre/page/2)

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Tag

- [Child Development (26)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/child-development)
- [Early Childhood Education Centre (24)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre)
- [Neurodiversity (11)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/neurodiversity)
- [Teaching Philosophies (6)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/teaching-philosophies)
- [Design & Innovation (4)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/design-innovation)
- [Funding & Budgeting (3)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/funding-budgeting)
- [Nature & Sustainability (3)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/nature-sustainability)
- [Multicultural (1)](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/multicultural)

[See all](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/blog/topic/early-childhood-education-centre/page/1#)

[Sign Up to our Newsletter ![Arrow](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/arrow.png)](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/contact-us/)

![Play'n'Learn](https://campaign.playnlearn.co.nz/hubfs/PlaynLearn_July2019%20/Images/logo-small.png)

### Contact Us

- FREEPHONE [0508 111 444](tel:0508%20111%20444)
- Short Enquiry Form

### Resources

- [Catalogue Downloads](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/catalogue-downloads/)
- [Customer Stories](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/customer-stories/)
- [Quick Order Form](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/quick-order-form/)
- [Community Support](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/community-support/)

### Browse By

- [Category](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/shop/)
- [Age](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/age/)
- [Special Needs](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/special-needs/)
- [New Products](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/new-products/)
- [Clearance](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/product-category/clearance/)

### Services

- [New Centre or School Fitout?](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/new-centre-or-school-fitout/)
- [Rental or Lease to Own](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/rental-leasing/)

### About Us

- [Meet the Team](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/meet-the-team/)
- [Our Core Values](http://www.playnlearn.co.nz/our-core-values/)
- [Play'n’Learn Story](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/our-story/)
- [Terms](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/terms-conditions/) & [Privacy Policy](https://www.playnlearn.co.nz/privacy-policy/)