At Edx Education, we believe that learning should be hands-on, joyful, and rooted in play. For parents and caregivers across the UK, finding engaging and meaningful ways to support your child’s learning at home can feel like a challenge especially when it comes to developing maths and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) skills. That’s where our award-winning educational toys come in. Designed with educators and early years specialists, our toys make play a powerful part of the learning journey.
We’re highlighting three exciting resources that help children build addition skills and explore STEAM concepts through creative, open-ended play: the My Gears® Robot Set, the Math Cubes Construction Set, and a fun dice game that focuses on practising addition to 8. Let’s explore how these tools turn everyday play into meaningful moments of growth and discovery.
1. Discovering STEAM with My Gears® Robot Set
STEAM education encourages children to think critically, explore concepts through trial and error, and create with purpose. The My Gears® Robot Set is a brilliant way to introduce your child to these concepts in a playful, hands-on way.
With colourful gears, linkages, axles and bases, children can design and build their own working robots. It’s more than just construction—it’s an opportunity to observe cause and effect, develop fine motor skills, and explore early engineering. As they build, children are introduced to foundational science and mechanical principles, boosting confidence and curiosity.
The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to play. Children can follow inspiration cards or invent their own imaginative creations. This kind of open-ended play fosters problem-solving and resilience key life skills that go beyond the playroom.
2. Building Numbers with Math Cubes Construction Set
The Math Cubes Construction Set is another Edx Education favourite that blends mathematical thinking with creativity. These interlocking cubes can be used for counting, sorting, building, and creating patterns. But when you add our Addition Learning Cards to the mix, the set becomes a powerful tool for practising addition in a playful context.
Use the cards to guide children through number sentences like 5 + 3 or 4 + 4. Children can build the sums using the cubes, physically connecting and counting them to find the total. It makes abstract maths concepts concrete and fun! This multisensory approach supports visual, kinaesthetic and logical learners, helping each child find their own learning style.
We’ve even seen families use the cubes to build mini towers, castles, or animals sneaking in maths learning through creativity. Try asking your child to build something with exactly 8 cubes then talk about all the combinations they used to get to 8!
3. Dice Game: Fun with the Number 8
Looking for a quick, easy, and exciting way to boost addition skills? Try our simple Dice Game for Practising Addition to 8. All you need is a standard die (or make your own from paper), some counters or small toys, and a sense of fun!
How to play:
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Roll the die.
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Ask: “What number do we need to add to this to make 8?”
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Your child can use math cubes or fingers to find the answer.
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When they find the right match, they earn a counter or a point.
This game can be played solo, with siblings, or even during car rides. It’s perfect for helping young children memorise number bonds to 8 a foundational skill in early maths. Plus, it builds mental maths confidence in a fun and relaxed way.
More Than Toys: Resources and Support for Parents
All of these products are part of Edx Education’s mission to make learning through play accessible for families everywhere. We also offer free downloadable resources to support learning at home, as well as inspiring episodes on our Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast.
From activity guides to parenting tips, our aim is to support you in creating joyful learning moments that help your child thrive.
Final Thoughts
Play-based learning is one of the most effective ways to help young children build maths and STEAM skills. Whether it’s engineering a robot, building number towers, or rolling dice to master number bonds, your child is learning more than just facts—they’re learning to think, explore, and create.
With Edx Education, every play session is a step towards confident, resilient, and curious learners.
Let’s play, learn, and create, together.
Explore our full range of educational toys, free resources, and podcast episodes at www.shopedx.co.uk