Why is park play important?
Parks and playgrounds help your child’s development in so many ways, and sharing the experience alongside your child is a perfect opportunity to build their confidence and vocabulary.
Learning new words– the names of trees, insects, birds etc.
Developing gross and fine motor skills – climbing to the top of the climbing frame, pushing teddy on the swing, kicking a ball in the grass, collecting sticks, or picking daisies.
Social interaction – playing alongside other children, taking turns to go on the slide.
Managing risks – climbing a tree, zooming along a zipwire, or splashing through puddles.
Top tips:
- As you praise and encourage your child, it will give them the confidence to carry on and give things a go.
- If you comment on what your child is doing it will help your child make a connection between what they are doing and the words you are saying. For example “you are pushing teddy on the swing”, “ready steady go…..down the slide” “splash splash in the puddles, “you are jumping in the puddles”
- At weekends and school holidays try out new parks and playgrounds in your local area for a free/low-cost activity.
