Have you heard of a Pikler triangle? It's a really cool type of climbing toy that was invented by a Hungarian pediatrician named Emmi Pikler. Originally designed to help infants and young children develop their gross motor skills, the Pikler triangle has since become a popular toy for kids of all ages.
At GROWGO, we were really inspired by it, as a Pikler triangle perfectly fits in the Montessori category. We decided to design our own version – more versatile, one that grows with the child and provides years of use.
In this article, we'll talk about:
● What issues we saw with the original design
● How we decided to solve them
● What steps we took to do that
● How the features of our design grow with the child
● And all the benefits of them!
We’re Not Fixing What’s Broken, We’re Adding What’s Missing
One issue with the classic design of a Pikler triangle is that many traditional models are not as durable as parents would like. Because the triangle is often made from cheap materials, it may not be able to withstand the wear and tear that comes with daily use. This can be frustrating for parents who want to invest in a high-quality toy that will last for years.
Another issue is that a classic Pikler can be quickly outgrown by children. Because the triangle has a fixed shape and size, kids may lose interest in it once they have mastered climbing up and down the rungs.
Finally, the classic design of a Pikler triangle is limiting in the types of play it offers. While climbing is certainly a fun and valuable activity for kids, it may not be enough to sustain their interest for long. Additionally, children who are not yet confident climbers may be intimidated by the steep incline of the triangle and may not feel comfortable exploring it. This results in the need to buy even more toys that could cover different areas of development.
That’s why we decided to upgrade this type of toy to be well-rounded, versatile, and educational, as well as sustainable and fun for kids!
It's All About Increasing Value
At GROWGO, we believe that toys should be more than just a passing fad. Our mission is to create toys that will stand the test of time and provide value for years to come. That's why we set out to improve the classic design of the Pikler triangle. We wanted to create a toy that was not only durable but would also grow with the child and offer endless possibilities for play and development.
To achieve this goal, we looked at the Montessori approach to education and play. Montessori values emphasize the importance of open-ended play, child-led exploration, and a focus on the child's natural development. We wanted to incorporate these values into the design of our Pikler triangle and create a toy that would encourage children to learn through play.
We began by brainstorming ideas and sketching out designs. We then built prototypes and tested them with children to see how they responded. We made adjustments based on their feedback until we had a design that we were proud of.
Our new design features a durable birch plywood construction, a ramp with double-sided surfaces and a rocking feature, a cotton tent cover, and three wooden balls for playing pinball. It is a toy that can be used in many different ways as the child grows and develops. It is a toy that will stand the test of time and provide endless opportunities for play and learning.
Features Designed To Grow With The Child
Starting as early as 18 months old, our Pikler triangle is excellent for toddlers who are learning to stand up and walk. The sturdy structure provides support and a stable base, helping the child to build confidence and balance. As the child grows, they can start climbing the triangle, improving their muscles and gross motor skills.
Once a child is above 2 years old, they can start using the ramp to slide and climb. The ramp is double-sided, with one side smooth for sliding, and the other featuring colorful wooden climbing stones for an added challenge. Kids can also roll our wooden balls down the ramp and play pinball, developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Older kids will find the unique feature of the ramp in the Pikler triangle from GROWGO particularly enjoyable. Not only can they climb up and slide down, but they can also utilize the ramp as a rocker. By placing the ramp on the ground, children can experience the joy of rocking back and forth, engaging their muscles, and enjoying the sensation of movement. This adds an extra element of fun and exercise to their playtime, providing a different way to interact with the toy and encouraging physical activity.
Moreover, the Pikler triangle from GROWGO offers another exciting feature that enhances imaginative play—the cotton tent cover. Once the tent cover is placed over the triangle, it transforms the structure into a private and captivating space. Children can let their imagination run wild as they engage in pretend play scenarios such as camping adventures, creating their own house, or any other imaginative play they can conceive. This fosters creativity, storytelling, and role-playing, allowing children to develop their social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional expression. The tent cover provides a cozy and personal environment where children can retreat, explore, and invent their own narratives, further enriching their play experiences with the Pikler triangle.
Child-Development Potential Brought To The Max
Our Pikler triangle is designed to support children's physical, cognitive, social, and imaginative development. It encourages children to be physically active and explore their surroundings, helping them build strong muscles, balance, and coordination. Climbing and sliding on the ramp improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, while pinball and imaginative play help children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social skills. Our tent cover also provides a private space for children to retreat to, fostering a sense of independence and creativity.
Our Pikler triangle is designed to grow with your child and offers a range of activities suitable for toddlers up to older kids. With its elegant and modern design, the GROWGO Pikler triangle is a beautiful addition to any home. By investing in a GROWGO Pikler triangle, you can provide your child with a toy that will last for years and enhance their growth and development in many ways.