By Cameron Eittreim

Learning the ABCs is one of the most memorable parts of our childhood. I remember when I was a kid there weren’t as many aids for parents as there are today. Play rugs are a useful tool for several different aspects of children's education, but one of the most important is of course the alphabet. Depending on where you have your play rug setup at this can be an excellent way to encourage ABCs playfully. Instead of just relying on songs or electronics a play rug can be an excellent way to teach ABCs one on one with your child. Let's delve into the subject and see just how to do it.

ABC Blocks

Of course, a play rug is not just limited to diecast cars, there are all kinds of different toys that your child can play with. First and foremost are ABC blocks, which not only encourage building but also comprehension of letters. You can take twenty minutes out of every day to focus on ABC play using blocks on your play rug. Your child will begin to grasp the concept of the alphabet by using these colorful blocks on a safe and sanitary surface. You can also use block letters to match certain parts of the play rug such as a tree or a stoplight.

ABC blocks come in several shapes and materials. Wood is the most common and easiest to use, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are also number blocks that can teach numbers alongside the alphabet, both of which are important milestones of a young child. If you have been wanting to teach the alphabet and you are strapped for time utilizing blocks on the play rug can work great.

Touch and Learn

If your child is enjoying their play rug quite a bit you can use the touch and learn the method to teach them the alphabet as well. By putting specific letters on various portions of the play rug such as houses, trees, and roadways. You can break these words up into letters and your child will begin to grasp the different aspects of the alphabet. Again, no child is going to learn overnight but the faster that you can introduce them to letters the better.

Using learning tools such as flashcards and music can also coincide with the play rug. You want the rug because it is a clean and sanitary place to learn. For most children, they would prefer to be on a play rug than in other portions of the home. The result is a happy and well-rounded child who will continue to learn and enjoy their quality time with you.

Letter Hunt

You can turn playtime on the play rug into a scavenger hunt for letters as well. Most children love to explore and part of this is searching for a prize. You can use the same ABC blocks and create a sort of scavenger hunt that will make learning fun. Hide the A somewhere and continue to do so with every part of the alphabet. Your child will be enthused because this is more than just regular learning, this is something that they can enjoy.

The interesting thing about letter hunt is that you can switch it up and with the versatility of the play rug you’ll have all the space to do it. Kids love predictability and by using the play rug to learn about letters you are enabling an environment of learning. Most children will embrace playing letter hunt as sort of a miniature version of hiding and seek.

Memory Games

The sheer depth of detail that goes into creating a play rug makes playing a memory game ideal. There are so many aspects to the design and detail that you can play memory games with every corner of the rug. This is especially so when it comes to learning the alphabet which can be a bit difficult at first. But once your child gets the hang of it they will enjoy every aspect of learning on the play rug.

Memory games are fun and with the current situation going on we can use all of the inside time to play these games. You can start by playing memory games with the alphabet and then move onto spelling and numbers. The ideas and games are endless and only limited to your imagination. Taking the time to play a creative memory game will ensure that your child has a fun overall learning experience.

Learning is Easier When Its Fun

We all know that learning can be a stressful experience for children, especially when they are first starting. The play rug is an exceptional way that you can encourage your child to learn while at the same time having a fun experience. If this is your first child learning can be a daunting task, but at the end of the day, you’ll be able to get it done. The variety and intelligent design that comes with every play rug are designed to encourage your child's sensory ability.

Coupled with the hands-on experience that the play rug encourages, your child will be ahead of the curve when it comes to learning ABCs. Taking the first step and getting the play rug will only be the start of a wonderful and creative learning journey. You’ll be in for some fun and memorable times that will stand out for sure.