Touch-a-Truck drives child curiosity, family fun
On Friday, the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosted a Touch-a-Truck event for more than 160 children and their families, providing a fun, hands-on learning experience.
The CDL brought to life what kids see in books all the time — cars, construction vehicles, garbage trucks, tractors, a fire truck, a University of Illinois Police Department K9 squad car, and more. The engaging experience supported children’s curiosity, learning, and development while building community among families.
“The children were all super excited and had such huge smiles,” said Molly Crain, a child development coordinator. “We loved watching families share in the excitement and seeing curiosity unfold as their children explored each vehicle. These moments are what we — our staff, children, and their families — remember.”
Touch-a-Truck brought together the broader university community, including CDL, Facilities & Services, Public Safety, and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences with ties to The Grainger College of Engineering at Illinois.
"We're always grateful for opportunities to connect with our campus community, especially at events like Touch-a-Truck that bring so many families together," said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police Matt Ballinger. "We appreciate the Child Development Laboratory and the College of ACES for inviting us to be part of such a fun event and look forward to continuing to build those relationships across our campus community."
Hands-on learning allows children to actively engage in their environment, helping them build connections between new concepts and their everyday lives.
“Climbing into a vehicle, exploring its features, and interacting with real community members makes learning more meaningful,” Crain said. “While children regularly engage in dramatic play and explore transportation through books, toys, and activities, Touch-a-Truck brings those experiences to life!”
CDL is embedded in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of ACES.