"The benefits of tree house building games": The opinion of a psychomotricist
Fanny, psychomotrician specialized in early childhood, and founder of "Graine d'explorateur 78", explains the benefits of building tree houses, and why she offers this activity to children in her workshops.
Who hasn't built a tree house? It's a universal activity that offers a wealth of experiences, whatever the age of the child (or adult!).
But why does building tree houses appeal so much? What role does this game play in children's development? What are the benefits of building tree houses?
Let's discover together what this activity can do for children, and the benefits of tree house building games.
"I know you're still there, even if I can't see you"
Mom hides her face behind her hands and suddenly reappears with a big smile, singing "cuckoo"! Baby bursts out laughing!
Here we are in the pleasure of discovering that the other doesn't disappear, even if he's out of our sight. As children grow, they become aware of the permanence of the other.
This game of "cuckoo and hide" will evolve as the child learns to move around. The child can then hide behind a curtain, and pull it aside to be found. The first huts are therefore hiding places that allow children to verify that if they can't see each other, they can still find each other afterwards.
With them, baby becomes an actor in these separations and reunions.
"I need to be alone"
A little later, the child feels the need to play away from his parent's gaze, while still being in the same room. The hut will enable him to escape the adult's gaze and feel that he can exist at a distance.
This is the beginning of the notion of personal space and intimacy.
"I've found a resource center"
In the cabin, children can isolate themselves for a few moments from outside stimuli. The hut can then be used as a quiet corner, helping children to manage their emotions and energy.
This little corner, sheltered from sound and visual stimuli, will enable her to rest her senses and recharge her batteries.
"I discover and understand space".
Hiding in a small tunnel, under a table, behind a curtain, inventing a very simple hut, will allow you to experiment with the body's notions of above, below, inside, behind...
When his huts become a little more elaborate, he'll try to figure out how to arrange the elements to make them fit together. He'll come to understand the notions of verticality and horizontality, as well as volume and depth.
All these experiences will enable children to take their first bearings in space.
"I invent what I want".
As soon as symbolic play begins, huts become castles, boats, deserted islands, tents in the middle of the Amazon jungle... A story is built around this space, taking the child further and further into creation. They can take on a new role (princess, fisherman, etc.) as they live in their cabin.
These imaginary games will help build self-esteem as the child feels capable of experiencing many things.
In short, building cabins is such a rich activity that you shouldn't miss it!
Convinced? Click here to see our range of tree house construction kits.
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