How to Make Your Outdoor Play Space into a Learning Environment

Outdoor play is important in any child’s development. It improves motor and social skills and encourages children to stay active. However, some parents may want their child’s playtime to be educational too.

There are several ways to turn your child’s outdoor playtime into an educational experience. Here are some suggestions.

For Toddlers

Toddlers are easy to teach because they have so much to learn. For example, you can:

• Teach math lessons: Have your toddler count their repetitions.  They can count every monkey bar they grasp or the number of times they go down a slide. You can even ask them to add the number of times they slid down a slide to the number of monkey bars they grasped to create a simple math equation.
• Teach Colors: Outdoor play equipment typically features various colors. Ask your child to describe each component based on the colors they see. For example, you may require them to call the slide a ‘red slide’ or refer to the swing as a ‘green swing’.
• Ask Them to Problem Solve: Make little puzzles for your child and ask them to solve them. You might place a barrier in front of certain equipment and encourage them to find their way through.

For Older Children

Older children may already know the basics, but here are some ways to transform their outdoor play equipment into a learning environment.

• Encourage Imaginative Play: Encourage imaginative play by pretending you are certain characters like fairies, knights, queens, kings, princes, and princesses. Then create a scenario. Maybe they need to slide down a slide three times to save the knight from the ogre. Or perhaps they must traverse the monkey bars to save the queen.
• Teach Your Child About Nature: Outside areas are ideal for teaching your child about nature. You can discuss the materials in your play area and tell your child why they are environmental. The sky, the various terrain textures, and other natural elements can also provide insight into our vibrant ecosystem.
• Problem-Solving Challenges: Problem-solving can be encouraged on any level. With older children, you may inspire them to problem solve by using your outdoor play equipment to create an obstacle course or scavenger hunt. Invite their friends to participate so they learn about socialization or critical thinking.

Little Tacker Toys Supports Child Development

We may not be teachers, but we provide structures that make ideal learning instruments. Our company offers a selection of trampolines, swings, electric cars, and outdoor play equipment that helps children problem solve, use their imagination, and develop valuable motor skills. Our high level of customer service ensures you find the ideal toys for your child, no matter what stage they’re at.

Browse our online selection to find the ideal toys for your child. Contact us with any questions you may have.