My son Hugh used to love playing with blocks, puzzles, and sedentary table top activities when he was in kindergarten.
However, Hugh often avoided climbing frames, swings, slides, and balancing across rocks or balance beams as he lacked the confidence in his motor skills.
This is why I am passionate about inspiring educators and teachers to include indoor and outdoor obstacle courses as part of their daily routines, transitions, and play space design.
Obstacle courses are important for children's learning and development as they provide a variety of benefits.
Obstacle courses promote:
🌟 physical activity, which is essential for physical development and overall health
🌟 gross motor skill development, children can develop their balance, coordination, core strength, head movement, shoulder stabilisation
🌟 problem-solving and decision-making skills, as they navigate through the obstacles, which helps to develop their cognitive abilities.
🌟 spatial awareness and perception, as children judge distances and angles to navigate through each obstacle
🌟 social and emotional development, obstacle courses encourage teamwork, communication, and cooperation as children may need to wait and work together
🌟 motivation and engagement as children enjoy the challenge and excitement of navigating through each obstacle, which increases their motivation and engagement in the learning process.