Development & Learning Bundle
A strengths-based learning and development set for play, communication, milestones, concerns and early support pathways.
$39 AUD Save $21
Guide sample
Play & Learning
Preview the opening pages on the website before buying the downloadable PDF. The full guide includes 33 pages, printable tools, references and clear professional-help pathways.
Preview pages33 page PDF$15 AUDAustralian-focused
First YearsPlay & Learningsample
What you can preview
This sample is shown as webpage content rather than a PDF. The downloadable PDF is only available for free guides or after purchase.
Simple support for babies, toddlers & new parents
Play & Learning
A warm, practical guide to low-cost play, movement, books, outdoor time, sensory play, screens and everyday learning from birth to 5 years.
Start here
Quick summary
The calm version
Play is how young children learn. It builds relationships, movement, language, thinking, emotions and confidence. The richest play is often simple, repeated and responsive: talk, sing, read, move, explore, pretend, rest and try again.
ConnectChildren learn best when they feel safe.
MoveActive play supports bodies and brains.
ReadBooks, songs and stories grow language.
BuildBoxes, blocks and sorting grow thinking.
ExploreOutdoor play builds confidence.
What matters most
- Play does not need expensive toys, formal lessons, perfect activities or constant adult entertainment.
- Everyday routines count as learning. Nappy changes, meals, walks, bath time and laundry all build skills.
- Australian 24-hour movement guidance recommends daily active play, limits on long restraint and no sedentary screen time for children under 2. For 2 to 5 years, no more than 1 hour per day, less is better. [2]
- Reading, songs, rhymes and storytelling from birth support connection and early literacy. [4]
- Seek advice if your child loses skills, seems very inactive, does not interact, has movement concerns, speech/language concerns, sensory distress, vision or hearing concerns, or if you feel something is not right.
Practical family companion
How this guide is organised
A play companion, not a performance plan
Use this guide when you want ideas, reassurance or a next step. You do not need to do every activity or category every day.
| If you need | Start with | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple ideas today | No-toy play menu and play when exhausted | Low-cost play kit checklist |
| Age-based ideas | Age map, newborn, baby, toddler and preschool sections | Daily play rhythm checklist |
| Movement ideas | Movement play and movement menu | Movement menu |
| Language ideas | Books and language | Book and language prompts |
| Outdoor or sensory ideas | Outdoor play and sensory play | Safety checklists |
| Screens are hard | Screens and play | Screen transition plan |
| Development worry | Usually normal versus seek help tables | Questions for GP, child health nurse or allied health professional |
Suggested page-by-page flow
- Cover and quick summary.
- Play basics and learning in everyday routines.
- No-toy play and age map.
- Age-based play sections from newborn to preschool.
- Movement, books, outdoor play, sensory play and different play styles.
- Screens, weekly rhythm, exhausted parent ideas.
- Tables, scripts, FAQs, printable tools, resources and references.
Visual tools included
- Notice, Join, Add Words, Pause play loop.
- No-toy menu.
- Age map.
- Movement menu.
- Outdoor safety checklist.
- Weekly play rhythm.
- Screen transition plan.
- Usually normal versus seek help tables.
Unlock the full PDF
The full guide includes 33 pages, printable tools including low-cost play kit, movement menu, weekly play rhythm, screen transition plan, trusted resource links and safety guidance. It is part of the First Years first 2000 days library.
Also available in bundles
Bundle options keep related guides together and reduce the total price.
Complete First Years Library
The complete First Years guide library: every premium guide plus the two free guide PDFs in one organised early-years resource set.
$99 AUD Save $141
Feeding GuideFirst Foods Starter GuideNewborn EssentialsSleep GuideParent WellbeingHealth & Safety BasicsCommon Childhood IllnessAllergies, Eczema & AsthmaDental & Oral HealthToddler GuideBig Feelings & BehaviourToilet LearningFamily Routines PackChildcare & Preschool ReadinessDevelopment GuidePlay & LearningSpeech, Language & CommunicationDevelopmental Concerns & Early Support