Moving around and tackling obstacles helps babies and children to learn about:
- movement and coordination
- confidence and how to explore
- action words
- cause and effect
- bonding
You will need:
- some cushions or pillows and some blankets
- crunchy paper or cardboard
- anything else that might be interesting for baby to crawl over
- a smartphone, tablet or screen to watch the film (optional)
Things to remember
- Babies need us to keep them safe, but also let them explore and try things out.
- Confidence is a big part of future learning and solving problems.
Watch the film
Michelle:
Getting through an obstacle course is a fun, dynamic and interactive way for your toddler to learn about cause and effect, and what effect their actions have on their surroundings and the people around them
Oh, who's in there?
How would we get in there, though?
Mum:
Shall we stand up and reach him?
Michelle:
Does he treat anything like an obstacle course at home? Does he climb over stuff?
Mum 1:
The sofa, his dad!
Dad;
Do you want to climb up? Be careful.
Well done. Push!
Well done, good climbing!
Mum 2:
She's never been a sit still baby, as you can see!
Michelle:
So, one thing that you can do is teach them about action words: 'pulling', 'pushing'.
The temptation sometimes is to go 'no, don't touch that', 'or don't do that'.
So as long as they're in a safe environment and you're talking to them about what's going on, then it's a really fun way for them to learn.
Chat with parents/carers
Here are some questions you might ask them:
- what did you all notice?
- what surprised you?
- what did you like?
Instructions for parents/carers:
This activity only works if your baby is in a mood to explore, so wait until they are up for an adventure. You can do this even if your baby is not crawling yet, but you’ll have to do more of the work for them.
Lay out a simple obstacle course. It could just be a blanket to crawl over, or you could put a pillow underneath to make a hill.
If your baby is not crawling yet, put them on their tummy on the new surface, and let them see what it feels like.
Talk about what you see 'here’s a lovely soft blanket' or 'here’s some crunchy, crackly paper'. Comment on what your baby does – they may wriggle or wave their arms. If they like it, laugh along. Let them explore for as long as they want.
If your baby is crawling, encourage them to have a go at the obstacle. Talk about what they are doing – you can imagine you are a TV commentator if you like! Use short sentences like, 'oh, oh, up she goes!' or 'it’s slippy and crunchy!'.
See if they’d like another go, or change the pillows or blankets around – whatever you think will be safe and fun.
Printable handouts for this activity are available
When babies and children are having fun it is a great time for learning, but you only have to play this for as long as they are enjoying it.
More ideas for parents/carers to try at home
Try out different surfaces.
Look for interesting things to explore while you are out and about – this could be a new path or park.
Talk about what your baby can see on a shopping trip.
When your baby is on their tummy, or crawling or walking, put a toy they like just out of reach and see what they do.
Everyone can enjoy an obstacle course, so make one for your toddler too!
