Helping Toddlers Spread their Wings with Toddler Playground Equipment

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A toddler’s world is one of great exploration and learning. In fact, everything they do is an adventure and a challenge, whether it is working out how to use a simple piece of play equipment or putting a spoon into their mouths.

Toddlers are renowned for their stubbornness and frustration – many people call the toddler stage the ‘Terrible Twos’ and accept that difficult behaviour is just a natural part of growing up.

However, research shows that toddlers like to be independent, and in many cases, simply lack the skills and understanding to achieve their goal. 

Our toddler playground equipment gives toddlers the opportunity to safely explore independence and develop their emotional, cognitive and social skills. Read on to find out how.

How can toddlers benefit from outdoor play?

During the toddler stage, children make great leaps in their development in all areas of their life.  

Movement and communication are new and exciting developments – toddlers’ new ability walk or toddle independently gives them an amazing amount of freedom. They can understand and point at objects and begin to communicate using words. 

Testing these skills in new environments is important to continue development and ensure that your toddler begins to grow socially. Many toddlers, for example, will enjoy spending time with people but will struggle to share their toys. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines, outdoor play is seen as a core component of learning. As a sensory, exploratory and physical activity, it connects to all of the seven areas of childhood development outlined in the EYFS framework.

How does toddler playground equipment encourage physical development?

Giving toddlers access to safe and accessible playground equipment, designed to suit their age group and skillset, encourages them to explore, take safe risks and find out how their bodies work. 

Our range of toddler playground equipment aims to develop gross motor skills by incorporating crawling through tunnels, climbing and sliding activities, along with activities that develop fine motor skills, such as activity panels which require hand turning motions. 

If toddler playground equipment is present in a public place, toddlers can climb until their heart’s content without an interfering carer trying to spoil their fun.

How does toddler playground equipment encourage imagination?

Toddler playground equipment often encourages role play games because they can be shaped like trains, ships, tents or houses, providing inspiration for the type of play that may take place.

Parents can help children develop their imagination by providing guidance, setting the scene and inspiring them to play pretend games. It’s important that your child has time for both structured and unstructured (free) playtime. 

As children get older, they will enjoy the play value of this type of equipment. It’s not unusual for older children to pretend that they are pirates on the high seas, too! This type of imaginative pretend play is essential for developing speaking and listening skills, as well as preparing children to read.

Explore our toddler playground equipment

We have a wide selection of toddler playground equipment, including: Little Hamlets Plus, Little City, Little Explorers, Springers, Role Play and Caterpillar. 

All of our toddler equipment is designed to challenge children physically and inspire imaginative play. Activities encouraged by these beautifully crafted pieces of playground equipment include: climbing, sliding, balancing, rocking, rolling, crawling, spinning and role play. Each piece of equipment is available in a variety of sizes that will suit your budget and available space.

If you are a nursery, school or local playground committee and you want to purchase playground equipment that will help your toddlers spread their wings, please request a brochure today or contact us for more information – we’re happy to discuss your options.

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