The Power of Play: Turning Ordinary Objects into Extraordinary Learning Opportunities

In early childhood education, play is a powerful tool for learning. In this interactive session, Rahela Rajh will demonstrate how everyday household items can be transformed into engaging learning opportunities for  classrooms. Drawing from her extensive experience across various curricula and her book Discovering Joys of Childhood Through Play, Rahela will share practical, hands-on activities that promote creativity, problem-solving, language development, and fine motor skills in young children.
This session focuses on using eco-conscious and budget-friendly materials to create interactive, play-based learning experiences that align with curriculum goals. Rahela’s approach emphasizes the importance of real-life, open-ended materials rather than expensive toys, offering educators a sustainable, innovative way to engage young learners.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and ready-to-use play ideas, enhancing their ability to foster a joyful, interactive learning environment. Whether you’re facing budget constraints or looking to make learning more meaningful, this session will inspire you to unlock the power of play in your classroom.

 

Speaker:

Rahela Rajh

Rahela Rajh is an Early Childhood Educator Mentor with a degree in Early Childhood Education and over two decades of experience in Croatia and the UAE. She has worked across diverse curricula, including Reggio Emilia, Scandinavian, Croatian, and UK EYFS. Recognized for her dedication, she was promoted to Mentor by the Ministry of Education and the Teacher Training Agency. A former teacher and founder of Joys of Childhood play sessions (2022), Rahela is the author of Discovering Joys of Childhood Through Play. She collaborates with schools and nurseries, promoting hands-on, eco-conscious, play-based learning with real-life materials to inspire young learners worldwide.