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How to support your child's learning
Our children are little learning machines - every day, and in almost every way, they're learning. And long before they get to school, all this activity helps them get ready for a more formal learning environment.
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Fine motor skill activities for toddlers and preschoolers
Work on your child's fine motor skills while having fun with these play activities.
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7 non-negotiable rules of the playground
#1. If there's a gate, shut it behind you.
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5 things parents can do to develop STEM skills
Waiting for children to begin school to learn about STEM is too late.
![Play dough is more than child's play.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/0/7/s/5/b/image.related.landscape.300x200.h07s14.png/1513807928072.jpg)
The benefits of play dough that will surprise you
Whether you make it yourself or buy it, few homes will be without some sort of play dough during the toddler and preschool years. So why does it have such enduring popularity?
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Why the whole family needs to 'have a ball' together
It’s no wonder that the phrase “having a ball” is a metaphor for fun. Playing with balls is one of the easiest, most enjoyable and enriching experiences we can give our children, right from the earliest age.
![Songs with actions enhance children’s development.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/0/7/o/i/b/image.related.landscape.300x200.h07780.png/1513731834417.jpg)
Making a song and dance
How songs with actions enhance children’s development.
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Why hiding the toys is more than child’s play
It’s a game the whole family will love - but did you know it has huge child development impacts?
![Sometimes we underestimate the abilities of little people.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/y/v/e/3/image.related.landscape.300x200.gzyv7u.png/1512531128567.jpg)
Why I teach my toddler 'big' words
Enough with the baby talk.
![This game has many hidden benefits for little ones](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/s/3/l/x/image.related.landscape.300x200.gzs4ec.png/1512083036986.jpg)
Peek-a-boo: The hidden benefits for little ones
Peek-a-boo isn't just for babies - research shows it can help develop a toddler's cognitive development. All it takes is a 'plus one' (that's you, parent!) and a willingness to have a little bit of fun.
![Crushing leaves has huge developmental benefits! Here's how to add it to your playtime](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/s/3/l/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.gzs5pk.png/1511746949923.jpg)
Play to thrive! Awesome sensory play for toddlers
It's not often little ones get a green light to crush, stomp, throw, smell and make a grimey mess.
![Ernie and Bert star in El Patito - Ernie's bilingual ode to his beloved rubber duckie.](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/3/8/o/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.gy371p.png/1503981333895.jpg)
Sesame Street's remix of Despacito is the cutest
Justin Bieber has nothing on Ernie and Bert.
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20181126203045im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/t/b/t/2/image.related.landscape.300x200.gvtb3x.png/1493242137068.jpg)
Is there a 'right' way to play with your toddler?
Q: My husband and I have two-year-old twins - a girl and a boy - and we both love spending time with them. But I've noticed that he and I have very different styles, in several ways.
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