Our Methodology

We design hands‑on learning that is short, clear, and winnable. Each guide focuses on a small set of skills, a tiny routine you can repeat, and a way to see progress without turning play into homework.

Design principles (the quick version)

• Tiny goals: one skill per session (e.g., make‑10, sound tap, mirror line).
• Clear constraints: piece limits, time caps, or a single rule ("tongs only"). Constraints reduce chaos and increase focus.
• Tight feedback: immediate success/fail, a timer, a visible build, or a quick photo.
• Just‑right challenge: one step harder than last time. If stuck twice, simplify one variable.
• End on a win: motivation compounds; we stop while engagement is high.

We aim for 10–20 minute sessions that you can run 3–5× per week.

Skill map we design for

We tag activities so you can filter and mix:

• Executive functions — working memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibition.
• Academic — number sense (counting, subitizing, place value), operations, reasoning; phonemic awareness, phonics/decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension.
• Motor & perceptual — fine‑motor (pincer grasp, bilateral coordination), visual discrimination, spatial thinking.
• Language & communication — naming strategies, explaining “why,” following multi‑step rules.

Each section (e.g., Brain Games, Math, Literacy) lists targets up front and keeps language consistent across pages.

The practice loop we recommend

1. Brief (1–2 min) — name the goal and one rule ("make 10 first").
2. 3 short rounds (2–3 min each) — fast resets make effort feel light.
3. Strategy talk (1–2 min) — name the trick that helped (“count on,” “check corners”).
4. Record (30 s) — snap a photo or add a star to a tiny chart.

This loop shows transfer: you should notice fewer math mistakes, smoother reading, or cleaner motor control outside the game over time.

Difficulty & scaffolding

• Set size: fewer pieces/cards → more.
• Feature load: one feature (shape) → two (shape + color) → three (orientation).
• Support: visible model → partial hints → memory‑based.
• Time & accuracy: untimed → light timer → accuracy under time.
• Rule stacking: one rule → add a switch or “no triangles” constraint.

We change one variable at a time so kids feel cause→effect.

Evidence‑informed, not hype‑driven

We read high‑level syntheses (e.g., EEF Toolkit, WWC) and monitor consensus around executive functions, phonics, and number sense. We translate that into plain‑language routines with low setup time. See our /citations page for sources and updates.

Limits: no page can cover every learner or context. Treat our suggestions as starting points to adapt.

Accessibility & inclusion

• Low‑cost materials: index cards, printables, blocks; optional kits later.
• Sensory needs: low‑mess options, tool‑first rules, predictable cleanup.
• Motor accommodations: heavier tools for feedback, stabilized wrist positions, shorter rounds.
• Language supports: visuals first, sentence frames, repeatable routines.

We avoid jargon and keep instructions step‑by‑step.

Safety & ethics

• Supervise small parts; check allergies; keep launches below shoulder height.
• We do not offer medical or therapeutic advice.
• External links are selected for clarity and credibility; some may use tracking—we don’t control third‑party sites.

Report concerns via /contact.

How we update content

• We version pages by date and note major changes.
• We prioritize clarity, short setup, and measurable progress.
• If research consensus shifts, we update guidance and the /citations hub.

Want us to cover a new topic? Tell us via /contact.