Playful Learning

Expert Insights from Alexis Ralphs

Alexis is a father of four and the founder of One Hundred Toys. With thirteen years’ experience teaching in London primary schools, he specialises in early years education and has trained at the University of London’s Institute of Education. His research focuses on schemas—recurring patterns in toddlers’ play that reveal how they explore and understand the world. In this blog, Alexis shares practical ideas to help parents and educators support children’s development through play.

From boredom to brilliance: encouraging independent play

In the rush to fill every moment of our children's lives with structured activities and digital distractions, we often overlook the profound value of one simple practice: independent play. This...

The Importance of Open-Ended Play: Wooden Toys and Creativity

Here is a toy. It looks fun. It’s new, I haven’t seen it before. It’s a construction toy of some kind. But what do I do with it? Ah! I can put...

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