Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education

About Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education

Play, Learn & create with Edx Education. This podcast series discusses play being creative and learning for all children. Join Heather Welch sharing knowledge, information and support on play based learning we will explore the benefits, value, different stages of play and so much more. Play to the untrained eye can look meaningless, however there is a lot more going on than you can see. When children are playing, they are engaged, their imagination is sparked and they are developing confidence and key foundation skills. Play is the way children learn about the world and themselves especially in the early years. We have spoken with many educational experts, founders of charities, award winning author, international presenters, expat parents and so many more. #learningthroughplay #handsonlearning #parents #teachers #family #educationforall

Publisher

edxeducation

Category

kids & family · kids & family · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2020

Latest episode

27 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

99 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Big Feelings, Brilliant Minds: Supporting Emotionally Intense Children

   Is your child easily frustrated, quick to anger, or overwhelmed by change? In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch explores why some children experience emotions more intensely and why these “big feelings” are often a sign of a brilliant, deeply thinking mind. Drawing on research in child development, emotional regulation and play-based learning, Heather reframes the idea of the “explosive” or “chronically inflexible” child. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this child?” she invites us to ask, “What skills are still developing?” You’ll discover: Why emotional dysregulation is a developmental skill gap — not bad behaviour How frustration tolerance develops in the early years Why play is one of the most powerful tools for building flexible thinking Practical strategies for home and classroom to reduce meltdowns How connection builds regulation Heather shares simple, evidence-informed approaches that help children move from overwhelm to ownership of their feelings. Through playful learning experiences, children can build resilience, persistence, flexible thinking and emotional safety — essential foundations for school readiness and lifelong wellbeing. If you are parenting or teaching a child with big emotions, this episode will leave you reassured, empowered and equipped with strategies you can start using immediately. Because at Edx Education, we believe every child can thrive when we understand how they develop.

2. 

   5 Jan 2026

   Why Wiggling Matters: The Science of Play, Balance & Learning

   In this episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch author of Happy Children Play and General Manager of Edx Education UK explores why movement-based play is not just enjoyable for children, but essential for their learning, wellbeing, and development. We take a closer look at two powerful sensory systems that underpin all learning: the proprioceptive system, which helps children understand where their bodies are in space, and the vestibular system, which supports balance, coordination, and attention. Through real-life examples and research-backed insight, Heather explains how everyday play, climbing, pushing, pulling, swinging, building, and moving, helps these systems develop naturally. This episode is especially relevant for parents, caregivers, and educators supporting neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, or sensory processing differences. Heather unpacks why some children constantly seek movement while others avoid it, and how play provides a safe, pressure-free way to support regulation, confidence, and focus. You’ll also hear practical, achievable ways to support sensory development at home and in early years settings, and why reducing playtime can have unintended consequences for learning and behaviour. If you’ve ever wondered why children need to move before they can sit still, this episode will change the way you see play forever.

3. 

   27 Oct 2025

   Play Bridges Minds, Voices & Hearts: Autism, Early Years & the Power of Play

   In this heartwarming and practical episode of Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education, Heather Welch, General Manager of Edx Education UK and author of Happy Children Play, early years inclusion specialist and advocate for neurodivergent children. Explore how play bridges communication, confidence, and connection for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent profiles. Through real-life stories, laughter, and expert insights, Heather discusses how play becomes a second language helping children express themselves, build emotional regulation, and develop essential social and sensory skills. Parents and caregivers will find easy, sensory-friendly activities to try at home or in the classroom, including calming setups. Discover how to create inclusive environments, support transitions, and nurture each child’s unique strengths through play-based learning. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode will inspire you to celebrate differences, embrace neurodiversity, and see the magic of play as a universal bridge between minds, voices, and hearts.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

403,713

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

57

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

0

Contact Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.