Toy Train

19/03/2025

We are selling our 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 e-book at a 70% discount in celebration of Neurodiversity Week!

This practical, 17-page guide will help teachers create a learning environment where all children can feel safe, connected and able to thrive.

Each of the six sections includes practical strategies, reflection prompts, and next steps to help teachers immediately implement changes that benefit not only neurodivergent students but the entire class.

Download your book now for only R30!
https://toytrain.co.za/product/supporting-neurodivergent-children-in-the-mainstream-classroom/

Sale ends 25/03/2025.

This practical guide helps mainstream teachers create a learning environment where neurodivergent children feel safe, connected, and able to thrive.

18/03/2025

Have you seen the recently launched Play Matters Guide? It is a comprehensive e-book for FREE download highlighting the importance of play in the early years.

Download your copy now: https://www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters

🎉 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

The Play Matters Guide 2025 is NOW PUBLISHED and available for FREE DOWNLOAD! 📖✨

This essential guide, created by leading early childhood professionals, is packed with research, insights, and practical strategies on the power of play in early childhood. With contributions from top experts and a foreword by Michael Rosen, this guide is a must read for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about children's development!

🔹 Supports holistic child development
🔹 Encourages creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking
🔹 Fosters meaningful learning experiences
🆓 Download your FREE copy now at 👉 https://www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters

Let’s celebrate the joy of play and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive! 🎈 Tag a friend or colleague who needs to see this! 🚀

18/03/2025

Want a stronger bond with your child? Play is the key!

Struggling with tantrums, power struggles, or feeling disconnected? What if just a few minutes of play each day could transform your relationship with your child?

Join our Playing towards connection webinar and discover:
- How play builds trust, emotional security & cooperation
- Simple, everyday play strategies to strengthen your bond
- The best games & activities to support emotional regulation & communication

What other parents are saying:
- "I never realised how small play moments could make such a big impact."
- "So many practical ideas. I started using them immediately!"
- "What an inspirational webinar. With lots of examples and ideas and an excellent presenter, I cannot wait for the next one!"

📅 Next webinar date: 2 April, 19:00
📍 Online via Zoom
💰 Affordable & life-changing – R100. Invest in connection, not just coffee!

We keep groups small to maximise engagement. Make sure you don't miss out by booking your seat today! https://toytrain.co.za/product/playing-towards-connection-2april/

💛 Connection starts in small moments - let’s make them count!

10/03/2025

This afternoon, Annika facilitated a Playing towards connection training session for the teachers at Settlers Park Pre-Primary School, Pietermaritzburg.

We are proud to be sharing the importance of play for social and emotional development with more and more people!

If you're interested in learning more about Playing towards connection, comment "Connect" and we'll send you the info.

03/03/2025

The other side of the screen!

We had our first "Play towards connection" webinar this morning. There is still time to register for this afternoon's slot. The webinar starts at 17:00 and will be an hour long: http://toytrain.co.za/training

Look forward to seeing you there!

28/02/2025

Imagine sitting down to play for just 10 minutes a day, and suddenly, your child opens up, shares their feelings, and feels safe in your presence. That’s the power of connection. Let’s make it happen together!

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

In just one hour and for the price of a takeaway, you can start transforming your relationship with your child!

Play is an opportunity for deeper connection, better behaviour, and emotional security for your child, all while having fun!

📅 3 March 2025, 17:00
📍 Zoom
💰 Only R100 – Invest in connection, not just coffee!

Limited spots available! Sign up now: http://toytrain.co.za/training

25/02/2025

“Success comes in taking many small steps.” John C. Maxwell

When we started Toy Train in 2023, we had lots of plans, dreams and ideas for this business. We were going to provide a variety of resources, training and skills workshops to equip caregivers to make play more meaningful and engaging.

But when it came to managing all our responsibilities, we just didn’t have enough time or energy left to invest in growing this small business to the heights we envisioned.

We registered our business as a private company in 2024: Toy Train Consulting & Trading

Progress was slow. At times it felt like we were just treading water. We were only advertising and selling the toys and games in-person.

But our vision was clear: To equip others, to offer training and to create value in the world of play.

After 20 months of operations, we’re excited to turn our attention to amplifying our online presence. Our journey has been marked by steady, consistent efforts, where every small step has paved the way for our growth. We are proud of what we've achieved and are eager to share this with a broader audience.

Lessons we learnt:
• Consistent effort pays off
• Progress is progress, no matter how small or slow
• Every journey is unique
• Community makes all the difference

Why are we telling you this?
When starting something new, whether it is being more playful with your children, new routines in your classroom, or a brand new venture into starting your own toy library, you are bound to face some challenges. Starting is hard. It takes time to build new habits and routines.

But like that quote said, success comes in taking many small steps.

So start today with a song while you tidy up the toys, let the children cook with you, or make time for a board game. Take your one small step towards becoming more playful, engaged and connected!

24/02/2025

If you're tired of toys in every room of the house or have toys that never get played with, you should try toy rotation!

Here are some practical tips to easily master toy rotation and keep playtime engaging:

1. Start with a declutter
- Sort through all toys and remove any that are broken, disliked, or outgrown
- Donate or sell toys that are still in good condition

2. Divide toys into categories
- Group toys by type (e.g., puzzles, board/card games, building, pretend play, sensory, art supplies)
- This helps ensure a balanced mix of play styles in each rotation

3. Create toy bags, bins or boxes
- Include toys from a few categories in each container and use the whole box for that rotation
- Include only a handful of toys per box to maintain interest, (e.g. 2 per category)
- Keep open-ended toys in every rotation: blocks, loose parts, playdough, and dolls
- Use labeled containers for easy rotation (e.g. Week 1-2, Week 3-4, Week 5-6)

4. Rotate every 2 weeks
- Two weeks is the perfect amount of time between rotations, because they might still be interested in some toys, but they're probably starting to lose a bit of interest in others
- Pack all the toys from the current rotation in their box
- Unpack the new box of toys (let them help you, to share the excitement!)
- Store the rest out of sight to create excitement when they return
- Keep seasonal or holiday-themed toys stored and bring them out at the right time for added excitement.

5. Observe your child’s interests
- If your child loves building, include blocks or construction toys in every rotation
- Adapt the selection based on what they are currently enjoying

Remember to involve your child (if they’re old enough). Let them help choose a few favourites to keep in the current rotation. This gives them a sense of control while keeping play fresh.

Happy rotating!

24/02/2025

You love your kids and want to connect with them. But between work, responsibilities, and daily stress, it feels impossible.

You’re exhausted. They’re not listening. And the idea of adding one more thing to your plate? Overwhelming.

What if connection didn’t have to take extra time? What if small changes in how you interact could make a huge difference - without draining the little energy you have left?

In this 1-hour live webinar, you’ll get simple, practical ways to build connection through play (no extra planning needed!). We'll share tools to turn daily moments into meaningful interactions and introduce a new mindset around time and connection, so you feel less guilt and more joy.

So if you're tired of feeling like there’s never enough time or energy for the relationships that matter most, this is for you. This isn’t just about play, it’s about changing the way you approach connection.

Save your spot now: http://toytrain.co.za/training

Because connection doesn’t have to be complicated - it just has to be intentional.

18/02/2025

18/02/2025

One of the best secrets you’re not using

What if there was one simple tool that could:
- Reduce tantrums
- Improve focus & cooperation
- Make parenting/teaching less stressful
- Help kids actually listen

…Would you use it?

💡 The answer is PLAY. Research shows that play strengthens relationships, builds emotional regulation, and improves behavior.

Ready to transform your interactions with children?
Sign up for our webinar to learn practical, science-backed play strategies: toytrain.co.za/training