Soft Play - why it matters!

Soft play… early writing… there can’t be a connection, right? At Little learners, we focus on prepping your little one for school, specifically mastering all the marks that make up all letters and numbers. Our mark making and messy play classes encourage development through all types of activities such as paint, play dough and threading activities! But did you know that soft play has a part to play too?

But what is soft play?

Soft play encourages children to jump, throw and play! Soft play typically includes thick padded mats, slides, rollers and climbing equipment as well as ball pits and sensory objects. Soft play encourages children to explore things that would usually be off limits to them, test out risk/reward and learn cause and effect. Most importantly (for early writing anyways!) is that children develop their problem solving skills. As they play and climb, you’ll see children work out the best routes over obstacles, figure out how they can climb even higher or make the biggest splash in the ball pool. Developing problem skills helps children learn how to overcome challenges with writing too! Your child will think… ‘How can I make this difficult shape with a pencil’ or ‘If i join a straight line and a circle… what happens?’

So how does it help?

As children play and climb, they build up those little baby muscles in to big strong muscles 💪 These muscles, specifically those in the hands, arms and shoulders help children grasp pens and pencils and more easily make the movements that make up all letters and numbers! Tasks that work big muscles are often called Gross Motor Skills, whilst smaller muscles in the hand and fingers are called Fine Motor Skills. Both muscle types play a part in early writing development but many children’s activity providers focus on fine motor skills – but not Little Learners! Our soft play activities, as well as the songs and dances we perform at every class, help nurture the development of gross motor skills. By moving our arms, kicking our legs or climbing over soft play activities we are helping children understand their bodies and how to move them… and when you think about it, that’s what writing is! Pick up a pencil, move your hand and a certain way and there you have it – writing!

Soft Play at Little Learners Playspace Ashington!

Our amazing franchisees run sessions across the UK, bringing the magic of Little Learners from Edinburgh to Essex! But did you know that we have a dedicated messy play and mark making venue? Check out Little Learners Playspace Ashington – a one of a kind educational play centre with it’s very own soft play! Our learners flock to Playspace for their wonderful activities, sense of community and messy play events… but soft play is a huge draw too! As mentioned, our educational activities really encourage little ones to get moving! Muscles grow big and strong as we climb over the squashy bumps and our hands get a work out as we throw and play in the ball pit. And don’t forget to stop by the sensory tube atop the squishy mats for a chance to catch your breath!

If you’d like to know more about how Gross Motor Skills, Fine Motor Skills and soft play can help your child… find your nearest class HERE! Our amazing play leaders will be very happy to help!

See you in class!

Team Little Learners