Why play-based maths learning matters beyond the early years into key stage 2
Many children who love building towers and sorting shapes in their early years begin to struggle with mathematics as they progress through primary school. This shift often happens in classrooms and homes across the UK, coinciding with the move away from hands-on learning towards more abstract, paper-based approaches.
Research consistently tells us that children's brains continue developing well into their teens and early twenties, yet we often remove tactile learning opportunities just when mathematical concepts become more complex. However, what if the key to unlocking mathematical potential lies not in more worksheets, but in maintaining the joy of learning through play.
Allowing learning to feel like play
At tickit, we witness countless "lightbulb moments" when children reconnect with mathematics through beautiful, tactile resources. Children who struggle with mathematical concepts on paper often grasp the idea when they can physically manipulate resources.
Take symmetry, for example. Children might struggle to understand this concept on paper, but place half of our Colour Crystal Blocks against a mirror, and the magic of reflection becomes crystal clear. They are not just learning about symmetry, they are experiencing it, creating it, and falling in love with the beauty of colourful patterns and reflections.
When abstract concepts become concrete understanding
The transition from concrete to abstract thinking is crucial in mathematics, but it shouldn't happen overnight. Our Jumbo Regular & Irregular Shapes perfectly illustrate this principle. When children see these shapes on paper, they might not immediately understand that both a regular and irregular hexagon belong to the same mathematical family. However, layer them on our A3 Light Panel, and the connection becomes obvious-both shapes have six sides, one fits perfectly inside the other, and the relationship is clear.
This is not about making learning easier, it is about making it meaningful and logical to all members of the classroom or setting. When children build 3D structures with our Colour Crystal Blocks, they are physically experiencing a multitude of STEM concepts, creating memories and an understanding that will serve them through GCSE mathematics and beyond.
The confidence that comes from understanding
A struggling mathematician who discovers they can create spectacular symmetric patterns using our crystal blocks and mirrors experiences an important shift in their relationship with mathematics. They are no longer the child who "can't do maths", they are the architect of beautiful, complex patterns that demonstrate deep mathematical and STEM understanding.
This confidence boost isn't just emotional, it is educational. Children who struggle to articulate their mathematical thinking on paper might excel at demonstrating concepts through building and creating. This showcases an understanding that traditional methods might miss or that might not work for every member of the lesson. It also provides parents and teachers with valuable insights into how their child thinks and learns.
Learning that lasts
The emotional engagement that comes with play-based learning creates lasting memories. When children feel joy and curiosity rather than anxiety and pressure, their brains are better equipped for learning. Children who create fantastic and creative patterns with mirrors or watch ordinary shapes transform into dazzling light displays begin to see mathematics as magical and fun.
Rachel Comfort, a Year 5 primary school teacher and advocate of maths manipulatives, explains it perfectly: "Manipulatives give contextual meaning to learning. So often adults struggle to make a link between a concept and its purpose, but manipulatives give this purpose."
Beautiful resources for meaningful learning
Our thoughtfully designed resources are not just educational tools, each piece has been designed to last the test of play and to inspire hands-on learning. Here are some of the ways we have explored mathematics through play:
Exploring symmetry and patterns
- Use our Rainbow Glitter Shapes to explore rotational symmetry, tracing around shapes and rotating them on the light panel
- Create reflective symmetry investigations with the mirror from our Colour Crystal Block Set
- Build 3D symmetric structures that look the same from different viewpoints
Understanding shape properties
- Layer regular and irregular shapes on the light panel to demonstrate that shapes with the same name share fundamental properties
- Create shape property detective games where children describe mathematical properties using our crystal blocks and mirrors
- Use Colour Crystal Blocks to design tessellation investigations
Captivate learning through light and play
- Layer different coloured shapes on the light panel to explore colour mixing whilst reinforcing shape properties
- Create spectacular light effects that demonstrate how light travels through translucent materials
- Design beautiful mandala patterns using combinations of all our resources
Cross-curricular learning
The beauty of play-based learning is how naturally it connects subjects. Create symmetrical images of butterflies using our Rainbow Glitter Shapes outdoors, combining mathematics with nature study. Design mandala patterns that bridge art and geometry. These connections help children see mathematics not as an isolated subject, but as a language that describes the patterns seen in so many areas of life.
Supporting your child's mathematical journey
Whether you're a parent looking to support homework, a teacher seeking to bring excitement to your classroom, or a childminder wanting to make learning meaningful, we understand the pressures of structured learning and tight schedules. That's why every tickit resource is thoughtfully designed to support educational goals whilst nurturing curiosity and building confidence. When learning becomes multisensory, memorable, and meaningful, children don't just memorise mathematical facts, they build genuine understanding.
The link between play and learning
At tickit, we believe play and learning aren't opposites, they are partners. By incorporating hands-on resources into your child's mathematical journey, you are not just supporting their current learning, you're building a foundation for deeper understanding and genuine mathematical confidence that will serve them throughout their educational journey and beyond.
Every child deserves to discover the magic in mathematics, and every mathematical concept deserves to be explored with wonder, joy, and beautiful, thoughtful resources designed to inspire learning through play.