Providing children with a designated space to relax and engage in various recreational activities, such as playing games and using toys, is crucial. However, playtime is about more than just amusement: it’s also a chance for children to learn and develop.
Integrating educational elements into your playroom can significantly boost children’s cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic and physical abilities. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider factoring in educational components in the playroom.
By combining knowledge with play, children can reap the rewards of this practical approach in a fun and engaging way - that can keep them entertained for hours on end!
It’s something that we at Funsquare take pretty seriously. But whether you’re ready to invest in Funsquare play products, already have a collection on hand, or are still uncertain whether or not to make the leap - we’ve developed this guide on how to incorporate learning and education into any playroom.
Ways to incorporate learning and education into the playroom
So, how can you incorporate learning and education into your playroom? We’ve got the answers you need:
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Create a learning environment
Okay, so this is probably pretty understandable when it comes to incorporating learning and education into the playroom.
But it’s a good idea to establish a conducive learning atmosphere within the playroom that won’t just encourage learning, but will foster children’s curiosity and love for knowledge.
To do this, you can strategically display informative posters, charts, maps, or even artworks on the wall, incorporating educational toys and puzzles that enhance cognitive development.
When it comes to creating a learning environment, there’s so many resources available today that you likely already have in your house. Books, educational applications and even tablets can be a great thing to include in this space to encourage learning.
It means that children can enjoy their leisure time, while still acquiring novel ideas and broadening their knowledge base.
Remember: it’s not about creating a study room. It’s about creating a space that offers an environment of learning, stimulates their curiosity and turns their play into development.
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Use different types of learning resources
When it comes to bringing all the resources together, it’s a good idea to use a variety of different kinds of learning resources.
Don’t just have a collection of books and posters teaching them about a specific topic. Incorporate construction blocks, brain teasers, strategy-based board games that can effectively train the mind while still giving them variety in how they achieve this.
It’ll make for happy kids, growing minds, and will help keep them busy for hours on end!
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Play with learning toys
So, you can definitely opt for strategy-based board games and all the stuff that looks, on paper, like the perfect education toy. But it’s a good idea to be creative with the kind of toys you have on offer, opting for open-ended learning toys that’ll tick off all the boxes.
Take the Funsquare Play Couch, for example. (We swear, we’re not pressuring you! It’s just a good example!)
This Play Couch is designed with kids' play in mind. With limitless playing possibilities, it’s the perfect open-ended play product. But the best part about this couch is that it’s not JUST a play couch or an incredible tool for learning: it’s both. Kids can spend hours jumping, building, pretend-playing, without even knowing the benefits they’re picking up.
This one tool can develop early cognitive skills, promotes creativity, improves motor functions, provides sensory experience, helps kids recognise and express emotions and social skills - and it’s all wrapped up in one of the funnest ways to play!
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Have a bookshelf of learning materials
Children should have access to various kinds of literature to cultivate a love for learning and satisfy their inquisitive minds.
A bookshelf with educational materials should include age-appropriate books and magazines, and not just non-fiction ones either. Including a number of fictional stories, fun books, and magazines, will help them gain a love for reading, experience life from a different perspective and ignite a passion for knowledge acquisition.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on what kinds of books your child already enjoys and try to factor in these genres or styles as well!
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Be patient with your child's developmental processes
It’s important to acknowledge that each child has their own unique learning style, abilities, and challenges. So, adopt a supportive and understanding approach toward their development, and your expectations on how they experience this playroom.
Don’t put undue pressure on them to engage the way you want them to, as it can often lead to counterproductive outcomes. Instead, be patient and realise that fostering an environment that encourages growth and progress at their own pace will make all the difference.
And if there’s something they want included in their playroom - try and factor this in, even if it means being creative with how it’s carried out!
How Funsquare can encourage learning and education in your playroom
Funsquare is Australia’s first fully customisable Aussie made kids play couch. Our priority is to create great quality products that are safe and multi-FUNctional. Made right here in Melbourne, we have a wide variety of addons to spark children’s creativity and imagination.
They’re not just a super comfortable play sofa or open play toy, but both!
We design and make our products right here in Melbourne, with a strong yet comfortable microsuede fabric with a water resistant treatment that makes keeping your Funsquare clean a breeze. It’s designed to last for years to come and is the perfect blend of safety and versatility for your little ones.
They can encourage learning and education in your playroom in a number of ways:
- Versatile and great for open play
- Environmentally friendly
- Promotes independent play
- Great for developing motor skills
- Multi-FUNctional - couch, toy, cubby, bed, high-powered vehicle and so much more…
“We were finally able to save up enough to get our 2 babies (2.5y GDD & ASD toddler & 6m infant) a play couch, we use it a lot of the day, everyday. We mainly use it in the couch feature or as a little den for our toddler so she’s shut off from the noises and lights she struggles with. So very happy. I wish we purchased one sooner!”
- Abigail
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you incorporate learning into play?
Incorporating education into your child’s leisure time is super important in their development.
Children can develop their cognitive capacities while having fun by giving them access to intellectually-engaging tools such as toys, books, games and videos.
Parents can make learning fun and easily accessible by creating a comfortable and exciting environment promoting growth and development. Including these activities in daily routines can ensure that children develop a passion for learning while also experiencing the joys of leisure time.
What are the learning areas that should be seen in the playroom?
A playroom should offer children various learning opportunities, including language and literacy, cognitive and problem-solving abilities, creativity and imagination, and social and emotional development.
By integrating diverse learning resources in these areas, children can broaden their horizons and develop holistically.
And that’s a wrap!
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to create an ideal space for your little ones, check out our other blogs like Creating a Safe Play Space for Your Baby, Creating a Safe and Fun Playroom for Children, Designing the Perfect Playroom for Kids. Or, come explore the full range of play products available at Funsquare for the easy way to check off all your boxes, with one piece of play furniture.
