UNDERHÅLLA Abacus, multicolour

“Yes, it’s important that children have opportunities to play and learn with different toys and games, both traditional and digital ones. It means diversity and freedom for children,” Kristiina Kumpulainen explains. She is a Professor of Education and Scientific Director of the Playful Learning Center at the University of Helsinki. Her research focuses on children’s learning and how design affects their learning ability.

When we designed the cards in the UNDERHÅLLA series, we had to find the exact right size and style of the letters and numbers, so they are easy to understand and recognize, no matter age or where you live. When we asked Kristiina Kumpulainen for advice, she suggested adding cards with familiar symbols like houses and hearts. “That way, the cards also have a meaning for smaller children who don’t know the letters yet. Children are inventive, and it is good if things they play with are not too limited but can be used in different ways.”

Cards, abacus, clock and building blocks – all parts of the UNDERHÅLLA series are made to attract to play. ”We know from research that children play for the sake of it, but while playing, they practice social, emotional, and cognitive skills and regulate emotions. Voluntary play is a healthy and rich way for learning and well-being”, Kristiina says. And there is a special freedom with analogue games and toys. Children can play with them anywhere and anytime since no electricity or internet is needed. That’s pretty handy, isn’t it?