Besides climbing up and down, here are some other ways my toddler is currently using his Pikler triangle.
It’s widely known that a Pikler triangle, also known as Pikler climber is an excellent tool for fostering kids’ gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. But climbing isn’t the only way a Pikler triangle aids in developing children’s skills. There are many other creative ways to utilise it for fun and learning.
Pikler Triangle for Toddler’s Developmental and Play Opportunities
Pikler triangles are versatile and offer a range of developmental and play opportunities for children. This is especially beneficial for toddlers, as they can explore various movements and sensory experiences which are crucial for their growth and learning.
The primary use of a Pikler triangle is for climbing which allows children to explore different ways of climbing up and down the climber. This activity helps develop their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. But beyond climbing, you can definitely use it in many different ways. Let me share with you other fun ideas to enhance your child’s playtime with a Pikler triangle.
Fun Ways to Use Your Pikler Triangle Beyond Climbing
Besides climbing, here are 5 alternative uses of a Pikler triangle that my 2.5-year-old toddler loves:
1. Imaginative Play
If you’ve got a Pikler triangle at home and are looking for a cool way your toddler can use it without much effort on your part, just turn your climber into a mini play tent! Simply drape a blanket over the top of the climber, add some comfy pillows inside, and voila! It immediately transforms into a cosy spot for your little one’s imaginative adventures.
If you’re feeling a little fancy, go ahead and add some garland and portable fairy lights to lit up the little play tent and make it even more charming and inviting. My son absolutely loves this play setup. I highly recommend this activity because it brings so much fun and joy to both of us.
What will children gain from this activity?
By converting the Pikler triangle into a cosy play tent or mini house, you help foster imaginative play in your child. As they create stories and scenarios within their makeshift shelter, they develop their creativity, language skills, and social abilities. Additionally, having a designated imaginative space can promote feelings of security and comfort for your little one.
2. Sensory Exploration
Another simple and fun way to utilise the Pikler triangle is by turning it into a space for your child to involve in sensory exploration. The bars on the climber allow you to easily add a sensory twist by attaching different materials like textured fabrics or colorful papers. It’s a great way to engage your toddler’s senses as they play and explore.
What will children gain from this activity?
The textured fabrics or colourful papers will provide a sensory-rich experience for your little one. As they touch, feel, and explore different materials, they engage their senses and strengthen their sensory processing abilities. This activity encourages curiosity, exploration, and sensory integration in a safe and stimulating environment.
3. Sorting and Matching Games
Create DIY sorting and matching games using recycled cardboard boxes. Cut and fold the cardboard into three equal sides to make a triangular shape, then slot them into the climber’s bars and tape them up. Customise each side by drawing, painting, or sticking coloured paper or stickers. Make just enough to fill your Pikler climber, but also remember to leave enough room for your child to sort and move them around easily.
Little kids can have fun matching colours or images with this activity. You can also use this opportunity to let them learn about numbers, patterns, sequences, or grouping skills. Incorporating your child’s favourite themes such as cars, dinosaurs, baby sharks, etc., is also a good idea as it can make the games even more inviting for them to play.
What will children gain from this activity?
This simple activity offers your child with a fun sorting and puzzle-solving experience. Not only does this game stimulate their cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities, but it also enhances their fine motor skills as they manipulate the pieces.
Using it to learn about patterns, sequences, and grouping skills also provides numerous cognitive benefits, including enhanced critical thinking, mathematical proficiency, predictive abilities, memory improvement, and creative thinking.
4. Rescue Missions
You can also use Pikler triangle to set up a playful rescue mission. It’s an exciting adventure that will boosts their problem-solving skills.
Simply attach some toys like plushies or animal figurines to the climber using ribbons or stretchable velcro straps and challenge your kiddo to save them. I got my elastic velcro belts from Daiso.
What will children gain from this activity?
As they strategise and problem-solve to “rescue” the toys, they develop critical thinking skills and hand-eye coordination. Moreover, the act of helping others lets kids learn about empathy and compassion as well as boosting their self-esteem and confidence. They might even come up with their own story as to why the toys are trapped there. This offers an opportunity to develop storytelling skills and engage in social interaction.
5. Obstacle Courses
Introduce physical challenges on the Pikler triangle by combining it with other objects for your child to play with. Mix things up by incorporating items like tunnels, pillows, a ball pit, or even cardboard boxes. Get creative as you create various obstacle courses for your little one to navigate through.
What will children gain from this activity?
As they manoeuvre through the obstacles, this activity promotes numerous benefits, including problem-solving, perseverance, physical strength, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Additionally, navigating the course encourages perseverance and resilience as they overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Now it’s your turn to try it!
With these fun ideas, your Pikler triangle will not only be a climbing toy but also a versatile playtime companion that nurtures creativity and learning in your child. Give them a try and see what other creative ideas you and your little one might come up with when using it.
Important Note: Always ensure that children are supervised while using the Pikler triangle to ensure their safety. The suggested age for using a Pikler triangle typically ranges from around 6 months to 6 years old. However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on the individual child’s developmental stage and physical abilities.
