Many parents have heard of Emmi Pikler’s Pikler Arch, but are unfamiliar with the term. However, a Pikler Arch like this can be found on many playgrounds and is very popular with all children. You can climb it and learn something at the same time. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible when the weather permits, but this great play equipment is also available for the home.

What is a Pikler Arch?

Children have a lot to learn and the best way to learn is to play. That’s where the Pikler arch or climbing triangle comes in, as it’s great for many of a child’s motor skills. The sense of balance in particular can be trained in a fun way, as can safe climbing. What’s more, children have to climb the arch before they can turn around and stand on safe ground again. That’s why a Pikler arch like this is designed for a wide range of motor skills, while guaranteeing lots of fun for the child. Learning by playing is still the best way to learn, and it’s on the climbing triangle or the Pikler Arch that it happens best.

Recommendations for buying the Pikler arch

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What are the educational advantages of the Pikler Bow?

On the one hand, it gives children the chance to play imaginatively and stimulates their creativity. By climbing, children learn a lot, including balance. Touch is also trained, and children learn to be more aware of their own limits. Independent play is essential, as it allows children to have fun on their own. Of course, it’s also possible to have a kind of climbing competition, i.e. to see who can reach the other side first. Of course, this requires a great deal of self-confidence, which takes time to build up. After all, self-confidence has to be learned in the same way as height and weight management.

There’s one thing that’s also important: children have a lot of fun on the Pikler bow. But before they do, an adult should always be nearby, in case the child can’t make it. This may happen at first, but it soon passes. Because children learn very quickly, which is not the case for some parents. Giving security is a good thing, but it’s limited to security at the beginning. Parents should take this into account so that their child can one day become a confident adult.

Difference between the Pikler triangle and the climbing triangle

The differences are not very great, as the Pikler triangle ends in a point at the top. In the case of the bow, it’s more of a slight arc, which makes it easier to turn around at the top. But if the child gets over the Pikler arch, the climbing triangle is the next challenge. Similarly, most playgrounds have only one of the two games, but this has changed in recent times. The two climbing devices were originally made of wood, which is obviously not possible on public playgrounds. Here, the climbing equipment is made of metal, which makes it much more resistant. But the aim is the same for both pieces of equipment: children learn many skills as they play. These skills are important throughout life, which is why children should have the opportunity to do gymnastics and play on such equipment.

What should I look out for when buying a Pikler climbing arch?

The Pikler arch is originally made of wood, but this must of course meet certain conditions. The wood must never split, as this could cause serious injury to the child. Of course, this toy is also available in other materials, but there are a few points to bear in mind. If the wood has been worked, you need to be careful about harmful substances. This can also happen with other materials. Colours and varnishes are crucial here, especially if the Pikler Arch is to be placed outdoors. It goes without saying that you should read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before buying.

It may be preferable to buy such a Pikler Arch or climbing triangle from a specialist retailer. They usually check that all the important criteria are met. After all, children need to be able to move around safely. The material also contributes to this, as is the case with wood. If you take all this into account, you can buy a Pikler arch with a clear conscience. Encouragement starts at an early age, but safety is always important.

Brief assembly instructions for a Pikler climbing arch

You can, of course, build the Pikler arch yourself, so you can take account of your child’s wishes. You don’t need to be a carpenter to do this – everything can be bought in a DIY shop. But what’s the right material and what tools do you need? This is briefly explained here, so that construction can proceed without a hitch. Of course, dimensions are important, and for a 55 cm radius you’ll need around 18 logs. Ideally, these should be made from beech wood, which has a number of positive properties. The wooden bars should be 50 cm long and 22 mm thick.

There is also a multiplex panel that needs to be cut to fit the radius of the arch. The panel must be 21 mm thick. Of course, you don’t have to cut the panel yourself, as this can be done in a DIY shop. If you want a larger radius, you’ll of course need more logs. Otherwise, it’s a perfect plan that’s suitable even for beginners.

The right tool is of course important

These tools include woodstain, varnish, wood glue and stain. A forestry drill is also needed to drill the holes in the round rods. Clamps or turnbuckles should be available, as should a router. Clamps or vices hold everything together during the construction of the round arch. You can’t do without a saw, just as a cordless drill is useful. One thing should also be available: a hoover. Because after sanding with sandpaper, it’s a very important tool for cleaning everything up. Felt strips are just as important. Once you’ve got all that, you can start building the Pikler arch. Of course, the colour can be chosen to make the Pikler bow particularly appealing to the child. The bow can also be coloured, as bright colours are always in fashion with children.

History – Origin of the Pikler bow

The Pikler bow was developed by Emmi Pikler, who was a paediatrician in Hungary. She was born on 9 January 1902 in Budapest under the name of Emmi Madleine Reich, who quite simply opened up new avenues in child pedagogy in the 20th century. One of these was the development of the Pikler bow, which is still widely used today. This toy is extremely valuable from an educational point of view, and not just for small children. Even older children benefit from the Pikler bow, and continue to do so to this day. The Pikler bow is already available for the youngest children.

Conclusion Pikler climbing bow

As soon as children can crawl, climbing becomes part of their play. That’s when the Pikler arch can be used, as it supports climbing behaviour. What’s more, children can already train their motor skills and have lots of fun. That’s why such a Pikler Arch or Pikler Triangle is an absolute must in the nursery, so that the child can confidently master every situation in life. Of course, the child won’t notice that it’s an educational toy. Learning while playing really is possible every time. Older children learn too.

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