For little kids, learning doesn’t start with worksheets or structured lessons. It begins on the play mat, where every sound, color, texture, and movement can spark curiosity. And when play is designed with intention, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for early childhood development.
Just ask Aila Serrano, a preschool teacher, host, and mom of two. Best known as “Teacher Iam,” she’s spent 15 years in early education and now shares playful learning ideas with her growing online community of parents and caregivers. With her experience both in the classroom and at home with her kids, Himig and Harana, she champions making learning feel less like a task and a lot more like fun.
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| Preschool teacher and mom-of-two Aila “Teacher Iam” Serrano with her children, Himig and Harana, exploring Anko’s range of educational toys and learning tools. |
Many of her go-tos come from Anko, an Australian home and lifestyle brand that offers thoughtfully designed toys that encourage both exploration and imagination. Anko Philippines Country Manager Rachel Turner shares, “We believe in the power of play to support a child’s learning and overall development. We’re excited to support families in creating these everyday learning moments at home.”
“Kids learn best when they’re allowed to explore and imagine. The right toys help them discover the world in their own way,” Teacher Iam shares. She shares her go-to toy picks for different age groups, along with her tips for turning playtime into a daily learning adventure.
For 18 months and up: Sensory play and first discoveries
The toddler stage is all about discovering what hands, eyes, and ears can do. It’s a time filled with curiosity about textures, colors, cause and effect, and the names of things in their environment.
“This is when children are absorbing everything,” explains Teacher Iam. “They’re not just playing. They’re building their understanding of how things work.”
She recommends toys that let kids touch, grip, shake, or squeeze. Toys made of wood or fabric with varied textures are ideal, as are those that make sounds, move in response to touch, or have parts that can be safely explored.
“These toys don’t need to do a lot,” she adds. “They just need to invite interaction. That’s how toddlers begin to connect what they do with what happens.”
Foodie Cushy Plush Toys (₱350) .jpg)
For Ages 3-5: Imagination and Early Expression
At this stage, children’s imaginations expand rapidly, and so does their desire to do things “all by myself.” It’s a sweet spot for creative, independent play that strikes a balance between structure and freedom.
“This is when kids start building their own little worlds,” says Teacher Iam. “They’re not just stacking blocks anymore. They’re building castles, shaping stories, and making sense of how things fit together.”
Toys that allow them to manipulate shapes, experiment with structure, or explore sensory themes are ideal. Magnetic tiles are a favorite in Teacher Iam’s home, allowing open-ended creations that change every time. Sensory bins, filled with themed materials, provide calming, hands-on play that engages storytelling and promotes fine motor development.
It’s also an age when children begin to thrive on routine and take pleasure in seeing their progress. “We use visual reward charts at home,” Teacher Iam shares. “They help reinforce good habits in a way that’s fun and encouraging, without too much pressure.”
Magnetic Tiles Play Sets (₱440- ₱2,490) 
Under the Sea Sensory Bin (₱660)
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| Reward Chart Daily (₱240) |
For Ages 6 and Up: Playing Pretend and Thinking Bigger
By the time kids reach school age, play begins to mirror real-world situations. Whether they’re role-playing as a doctor, building elaborate structures, or stringing beads into jewelry, they’re practicing life skills often without realizing it.
“They crave a bit more challenge,” says Teacher Iam. “They’re learning to plan, to follow steps, and to see something through from start to finish.”
She loves watching her kids dive into more complex activities, like creating with crafting kits or pretending to care for others through role-play sets. These not only enhance fine motor skills but also encourage empathy, logical thinking, and independence.
“Even when they’re playing quietly on their own, so much learning is happening,” she says. “They’re testing ideas, expressing emotions, and making sense of the world around them.”
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| Learning boards (₱530) |
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Doctor Play Set (₱880) |
Whether it’s stacking blocks, scribbling with crayons, or pretending to run a mini clinic, every moment of play holds the potential to teach. The key, says Teacher Iam, is to choose toys that spark curiosity and invite kids to explore at their own pace.
“You don’t need a house full of toys,” she reminds. “Just a few thoughtful ones that grow with your child and allow them to be themselves. That’s where real learning begins.”
Discover more ideas for playful parenting by visiting Anko on Instagram and TikTok at @anko_philippines or joining the Anko Club app for inspiration on parenting and making everyday living brighter.
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