Early childhood educators are always looking for new ways to keep children engaged without spending too much money. Often, the best learning doesn’t come from fancy toys at all—it comes from the simple things around us. Everyday objects, recycled bits and pieces, and natural items can spark curiosity in ways that shop-bought resources can’t. They also give children a chance to learn about looking after the environment while encouraging their imagination to shine.
With babies, it’s often the little things that grab their attention. A plastic drink bottle, for example, can be turned into a sensory shaker just by filling it with coloured water, sand, or even fabric scraps. Once the lid is tightly closed, babies love rolling it around, shaking it, and watching everything move inside. Another idea is to make a basket filled with old scarves or fabric offcuts. Babies enjoy pulling the fabric out, scrunching it up, and feeling the different textures. It’s a simple way to build their senses and fine motor skills.
Toddlers, on the other hand, are full of imagination. Give them a cardboard box and it quickly turns into a car, rocket, or cubby house. Add some crayons, paper scraps, and bottle tops, and they’ll happily decorate it too. This type of play not only fuels creativity but also builds problem-solving and gross motor skills as they climb in and out. Another low-cost idea is making nature collages. A short walk to collect leaves, flowers, and sticks gives children a real-world connection to nature, and when they bring their treasures back, they can glue them onto recycled cardboard to create their own artwork.
For preschoolers, activities that let them experiment and invent work really well. Loose parts such as corks, egg cartons, cardboard tubes, and bottle lids open the door for endless creations. Children might build tall towers, sort and count items, or invent something entirely new. Making instruments from recyclables is also a favourite—tins become drums, jars with rice turn into shakers, and cardboard boxes transform into guitars. After decorating them, children can even form a little “band.” Gardening is another valuable experience. Using yoghurt tubs or milk cartons as pots, children can plant seeds, water them each day, and watch them grow. This not only teaches responsibility but also builds a connection to the natural world.
All of these activities show that you don’t need expensive resources to create meaningful learning. With a little creativity and a focus on sustainability, educators can provide children with opportunities to explore, invent, and connect with the world around them.
At Suzan Johnston Australia, we are passionate about empowering our child care course students and future early childhood educators to uphold the highest standards and best practices in the field.
If you’re considering a career in early childhood education and care – or looking to advance your professional journey – we’d love to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today on 03 9654 0999 to find out how we can help you get started.
Qualifications required to work as an Early Childhood Educator:
• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Study early childhood and become an Early Childhood Educator – make a positive difference every day!
