The Cognitive Play Club
Purposeful play that helps children think, communicate, and grow through language, numbers, movement, and imagination.
Childhood, approached thoughtfully.
Our Approach
Cognitive play is purposeful play. It helps children think, communicate, create, and move as they make sense of the world around.
Hands-on learning through storytelling, movement, numeracy, and problem-solving
Practical, research-informed strategies parents can use at home
A relaxed space for families to connect with each other
Serving children ages 2–7, and the families and educators who support them
Purposeful Play
Play is not just passing time. Stories, activities, and conversations are thoughtfully shaped to support how children think, communicate, connect, and grow.
Build Confidence
Children practise trying, choosing, answering, and being seen without being rushed.
Strengthen Communication
Develop Thinking
Create Connection
Stories, questions, and conversation help children find words for what they think, feel, notice, and imagine.
Simple activities support attention, memory, problem-solving, imagination, and flexible thinking.
Shared play gives children and adults meaningful ways to listen, respond, and understand one another.
Six Ways to Play, Many Ways to Grow
Each programme at The Cognitive Play Club develops a different part of how children think, create, move, and connect.
Early Literacy
Movement, coordination, and cognitive-motor play.
Numbers & Patterns
Counting, comparing, patterns, and mathematical thinking.
Critical thinking, problem-solving, and growing independence.
Thinkers & Doers
Movers & Shakers
Sound play and the building blocks of reading and writing
Makers & Creators
Storytellers & Speakers
Creative exploration, fine-motor skills, and problem-solving.
Storytelling, communication, and confidence.
Founder Note
I'm Austine Mattatall, an educator, children’s author, and learning & communication strategist.
I believe the words children hear, the words they use, and the stories they carry help shape how they see themselves, others, and the world around them.
The Bookshelf
I Am Always Me
Je suis toujours moi
Pat, the Cat and the Rat
A gentle story that invites children to explore identity, imagination, emotions, and self-worth while embracing the confidence to be themselves.
Une histoire douce qui invite les enfants à explorer leur identité, leur imagination, leurs émotions et leur valeur personnelle, tout en développant la confiance nécessaire pour être pleinement eux-mêmes.
A playful early reader built around simple CVC words, repetition, and an engaging storyline to help beginning readers practise decoding while still enjoying a real story.
Upcoming Gatherings
Learning experiences designed to bring together children, families, educators, and communities through play, conversation, creativity, and shared discovery.
AUGUST 29 - Nâs Social Club
SEPTEMBER 19 - Nâs Social Club
OCTOBER 24 - Nâs Social Club
Move, Think & Play
Talking So Little Minds Can Grow
The Bilingual Brain at Home
A relaxed, hands-on session where children and families explore movement, memory, patterns, building, and playful problem-solving together.
A practical parent workshop on how everyday language, conversation, and role play shape children’s confidence, communication, and thinking.
A reflective session for multilingual families exploring how to support bilingual development, identity, and language confidence at home.
”Austine’s mentorship and speaking gave my teen the confidence to express themselves. We are so grateful for her guidance.”
- Hilda E.
Parent
”As an educator, I’m impressed by how the Cognitive Play Club merges fun and learning. The cognitive games help children engage deeply with language and self-expression.”
- Liam S.
Child Psychologist
”I can't recommend the book 'I Am Always Me' enough! The messages are beautifully crafted, and the exercises at the end make learning a joyful adventure for my kids.”
- Sophia K.
Parent and Educator
”The Cognitive Play Club has been a transformative experience for my child. The storytelling sessions ignite imagination and build real confidence in communication.”
- Aisha M.
Early Childhood Educator
Reflections from Parents and Educators
Let’s Explore What's Possible
The Cognitive Play Club
