Trips to the park are the perfect opportunity to introduce new words and phrases to your child.
Chatting as you play on all the different equipment is a great chance to use action words, descriptive words and lots of longer sentences.
The video below shows lots of great examples of moments where you can add additional words into your little one's day.
What are the benefits of park play with toddlers?
- Trips to the park are a great opportunity to introduce action words like 'swing', 'spin' and 'go'.
- Talking about the movements of playground equipment allows you to bring in directional words like 'up', 'down' and 'round and round'.
- Talking about all the actions and movements at the park helps your child link what they see and what they hear.
- Playing at the park builds children's hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
- Going on all the equipment encourages kids to take risks and build their confidence as they learn through trial and error.
Top tips for talking through park play
Your park is full of sights, sounds and experiences all of which your child will love to chat about with you.
Put yourself in their shoes, explore it with them and talk about what they’re looking at.
When you arrive at the park, you can name the pieces of equipment that your child can play on. You could give them a choice and let them lead, 'Do you want to go on the swings or the slide?'
As they play, describe what they're doing using action words like 'swing' or their motions like 'up and down' and 'round and round'.
Why not try playing ready, steady, go games on the swings? Pull them back and build tension by saying 'ready… steady…' and wait for them to respond before saying 'go!' and pushing them.
You could bring a teddy or favourite toy with you. Your child will enjoy letting them play on the equipment too and acting out the things they do with teddy. This helps them see words in different contexts, which will reinforce their meanings for them.
Children love to go on park equipment over and over again, so keep repeating yourself as they play.
Your little one learns best through play and repetition, so this is a perfect place for them to pick up lots of new words and experiences. It's also a great place to have fun together.
Getting outdoors with your little one
Getting outside is a complete adventure for your little. It's also really important for their learning and wellbeing.
Check out some of these pages to learn more about the wonders for the great outdoors:
- Looking for more park inspiration? Here are 10 fun park activities to help your child’s communication skills.
- Can't get out to the park? Have a look at these 18 ways to enjoy the outdoors (even if it’s from your balcony or window).
- Strictly star Hamza Yassim shares some top tips to have outdoor adventures with young children wherever you are.
