Proper child development is something that many child care providers are concerned with. Ensuring that children meet developmental milestones doesn't have to be difficult when you make playtime a time for learning developmental skills as well.

Here are three ways that giving children a cardboard box can help aid in proper development (and create a lot of fun memories) in the future.

1. Large cardboard boxes can teach children spatial awareness.

Learning how to interact with objects in relation to their own bodies helps young children learn important concepts like distance, direction, and location. These concepts are part of a more inclusive developmental milestone known as spatial awareness.

Providing children with a large box that they can climb into, through, and around will help promote the type of spatial exploration that helps children begin to recognize how big they are. Without spatial awareness it can become difficult for children to advance in sports or other hands-on activities, so using a box during playtime to promote the development of this concept can be beneficial.

2. Cardboard boxes provide the perfect environment for asensory play.

Much attention has been given to the important of incorporating sensory activities into a child's playtime, but offering asensory play can be important for promoting proper development as well.

A cardboard box features smooth surfaces, plain brown coloring, and makes very little noise. The lack of sensory inputs offered by a cardboard box gives children the opportunity to imprint their imaginations onto the box. This type of creative asensory play can promote a healthy curiosity that will translate to increased interest in math or geometry in the future.

3. A cardboard box can provide children with a sense of control.

Control is one of the most deeply rooted needs human beings have. Children live in an environment they have very little control over. Their small size prevents children from easily manipulating their environment, and they often need help completing basic tasks.

The pliable nature of a cardboard box can give children the sense of control they need to develop skills like autonomy and self-assurance. A child can easily bend, fold, or tear a cardboard box, which allows them to fulfill their need for control.

Incorporating cardboard boxes into playtime is an easy and affordable way to promote healthy development. Allow the children in your care to develop their spatial awareness, expand their creativity, and experience a sense of control by playing with cardboard boxes in the future. Contact a school like Canyon Springs Montessori Preschool Coquitlam to learn more.