3D Extended set

Please keep children supervised, during play. We advise letting them explore freely, but always be within a safe distance to assist them if required.

EYLF Learning Outcomes:

• Outcome 1 Using the Muffik 3D tiles helps children develop their physical strength, balance, and coordination. As they navigate the different textures and surfaces, they build self-confidence in their abilities, contributing to a positive sense of self.
• Outcome 1 The tiles can promote independent exploration, allowing children to challenge themselves physically, which nurtures a sense of achievement and self-reliance.
• Outcome 2 Group play on the tiles encourages social interaction and teamwork, which are important in developing an understanding of the world around them. Children may take turns or help one another navigate the mats.
• Outcome 2 The mats expose children to different textures, surfaces, and even the concept of balance and stability, helping them connect to their immediate environment and understand their physical space.
• Outcome 3 The 3D Extension Set enhances physical health by strengthening core muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. All of this contributes to a child’s overall physical and mental wellbeing.
• Outcome 3 Physical activities, such as those using these mats, help children improve emotional regulation by providing them with a safe, structured way to engage in physical movement, which is known to help with emotional expression and control.
• Outcome 4 As children use the mats, they need to think about how to balance, move, and position themselves on the different surfaces. This challenges them to think critically and problem-solve in real-time.
• Outcome 4 The variety of textures and surfaces available with the Muffik set offers a stimulating environment for curiosity-driven exploration. Children are likely to experiment with different movements, gaining new skills and abilities.
• Outcome 5 As children engage in play on the Muffik tiles, they communicate with each other, either to share space, give instructions, or talk about the physical challenges they’re experiencing. This builds their communication skills in a social context.
• Outcome 5 Using body language to express balance or overcoming challenges also enhances children’s understanding of non-verbal cues.

Developmental Milestones:

• 3–5 Years Improves core strength, balance, and bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body).
• 3–5 Years Prepares for school readiness through refined motor planning.
• 3–5 Years Enhances executive function skills like planning, focusing attention, and problem-solving.
• 3–5 Years Builds confidence and risk-taking in safe, physical play.
• 3–5 Years Supports emotional regulation through sensory input.
• 3–5 Years Rich language opportunities around sensory description, storytelling, and imaginative play.
• 5-6 Years Refining motor skills and agility.
• 5-6 Years Developing abstract thinking and self-regulation.
• 5-6 Years Provides complex challenges for balance and coordination.
• 5-6 Years Encourages teamwork, collaboration, and empathy.

Links to Theorists:

• This learning experience can be linked to Jean Piaget’s theories:
• Cognitive development through hands-on experiences
• Sensory exploration and motor development through textured mats enhance cognitive and motor skills.
• This learning experience can be linked to Lev Vygotsky’s theories:
• Social learning through interaction and ZPD
• Collaborative play with peers or caregivers, and scaffolding in learning challenges.
• This learning experience can be linked to Erik Erikson’s theories:
• Psychosocial stages, particularly autonomy vs. shame and trust vs. mistrust
• Fosters autonomy and independence, while promoting trust and confidence in physical abilities.
• This learning experience can be linked to Maria Montessori’s theories:
• Learning through sensory exploration and independence
• Hands-on sensory experiences promote motor skills, concentration, and self-directed learning.
• This learning experience can be linked to Albert Bandura’s theories:
• Social learning through observation and modeling
• Children observe and imitate caregivers or peers, learning physical skills and social behavior.
• This learning experience can be linked to Howard Gardner’s theories:
• Multiple intelligences, particularly bodily-kinesthetic and spatial intelligence
• Enhances bodily-kinesthetic and spatial intelligence through movement and coordination challenges.

Learning Through Play:

• Children can set up an obstacle course using the different tiles. They can jump, hop, and balance their way through the course, making choices about which path to take. This type of play encourages problem-solving, decision-making, and physical coordination.
• For older children, challenge them to stand on a mini tile for a set amount of time, or to walk across the entire mat without touching certain areas. This promotes focus, self-discipline, and the development of muscular strength.
• If multiple children are involved, they can work together to navigate a complex path or take turns being the “guide,” teaching others how to balance. This fosters collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
• Encourage children to imagine that the tiles represent stepping stones across a river or a pathway through a jungle. They can add props or create stories that enhance their play. This nurtures imagination and language development.