Playing at the Park

By: Anna Jones & Hope Hoffman

The park/playground is a natural environment for children. Your child is especially ready for new learning when they are playing. The playground provides a large space for motor movement and many chances to elicit language. 

First let your child “warm up” on the playground. Let them slide, run, swing, and spin for about 10-20 minutes to get their bodies ready for learning. After he/she has warmed up, try to engage with simple language models. Single words are easy and natural on a playground.

• Go
• Swing
• More
• Stop
• Slide

You are also teaching concepts as you play.

• Up
• Down
• Slow
• Fast

Two word phrases are also easy to model:

• Baby up
• Mommy push
• Go fast
• Stop swing
• Up stairs
• Swing high

Kids also love to sing, and be sung to, as they are playing. You can sing children’s game songs like “Miss Mary Mack”, “CC My Playmate”, and “Swing Swing”.  Songs with repetitive rhythm and choruses are good choices. You can also make up songs to sing as you are swinging or climbing.  The motor activities on the playground also provide your child with ways to strengthen their muscles and work on their coordination/balance. These activities provide bonding time with your children and can be fun for both of you!