Educational Play Ideas Using IVI’s Traffic Carpet

By Karah St. Preux

With many different features and incredible visuals that spark creativity and imagination, our Traffic carpet provides an abundance of fun for children. Not only can children be entertained on our play carpets, but they can also learn valuable skills that will educate them on important topics. This week we will be showing you different ways to teach educational skills using our Traffic carpet. 

1. Teach about different road signs and traffic laws

With features such as roundabouts and roadways, Traffic is a perfect way to get kids familiarized with different traffic laws. Take some of your kids’ traffic sign toys and teach them what each sign means. After they begin to get more familiar with each sign, you can create a game or quiz them about what they would do when they encounter each sign. Show them what a railroad sign looks like, and then ask them what it means. If they say something along the lines of, “that sign means that there are trains nearby” then ensure that they are correct and they can get a point for the game. You can even take some dolls or action figures and create a scene about what each of them should do when they encounter a new sign.

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IVI Wooden Toys

    2. Teach about parking lot safety

When walking and driving, a parking lot can be incredibly dangerous no matter what age you are. To ensure that your child is aware about the dangers that they may encounter when in a parking lot, utilize the parking lot that is featured on the Traffic carpet. Let your child know that when walking through a parking lot it is important to hold someone’s hand, and to be aware of when cars are backing out. Let them know that in order to be safe, they must be paying attention at all times, and can not get distracted by electronics or toys that may be in their possession at the time. Additionally, show them the correct way to park by demonstrating with car toys that it is important to stay within the lines of a parking spot. 

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   3. Teach about sportsmanship

With a soccer field displayed on the Traffic carpet, it is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the importance of sportsmanship. Take a few dolls or action figures and play out a scene of a soccer game. You can teach your child the rules of the game, and let them know about the jobs of the different players. After playing a game of soccer, let your child know that no matter who wins or loses it is important to always have respect for your peers. It is also important not to gloat if you win, or pout if you lose. It’s a game, and the most important thing is to have fun! The idea of sportsmanship will be a great lesson that can be carried with them throughout their life.

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  4. Teach about neighborhood respect

With all of the different houses that are displayed on the Traffic carpet, you can teach your child about the importance of respecting your neighbors. Let your child know that there are multiple ways to show respect and kindness to your neighbors. One example includes waving and saying hello to your neighbors when you see them walking by, offering your neighbor a cold drink when you see them working outside on a hot day, or offering to help an elderly neighbor with any chores that they may need. There are many different ways to show neighborhood respect, so let your kids come up with some ideas of their own about what is kind and respectful, and you can act out a scene with them on the play carpet. 

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What are some ways you and your child(ren) play on our Traffic play carpet? Let us know in the comments below!