Let’s Play Outside!
Parents as Teachers recently hosted a fun opportunity for our families to gather at Winchester Park to play outside in the beautiful fall weather and connect with other families. It was a wonderful time to get to know each other and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! There was lots of running, jumping, climbing, balancing, swinging, sliding, and laughing going on! We capped off the fun by enjoying some delicious popsicles together. It was a great time! Did you know that playing outside lets your child use his/her large muscles and practice balance? It gives the brain practice putting together messages from different sources--muscles, senses, and balance. Another good thing is the stress release that comes from just being in nature. Your yard, neighborhood, playgrounds, and parks provide lots of hands-on experiences. These stimulate your child’s senses as well as introduce them to science and math fun. Parents as Teachers would like to encourage you to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and get outside to play and enjoy nature with your child! We hope you are planning to join us for Popsicles at the Park on Wednesday, September 22. THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYGROUNDS FOR CHILDREN Most adults remember their school recess times with fondness. These opportunities to leave the constraints of the classroom behind and set out for another playground adventure are memories you cherish forever. However, today’s children are overwhelmed with an abundance of activities and fewer opportunities to enjoy outside play. Video games, TV, after-school activities and an increasing focus on academics have led to disappearing playgrounds and playtime. This reduction in free play can negatively impact the development of children. Playgrounds are essential safe spaces where children can be themselves and express their fun-loving nature while developing crucial cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. In this post, we’ll explore why more and more child development experts are advocating for more playground and free play opportunities for kids. Read the full article or jump to a specific section:
Playgrounds are safe spaces where kids develop crucial physical, social, emotional and imaginative skills. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how a child’s development benefits from playing on the playground. Learning Through Play You can’t have a playground without play. To put it simply, play is a spontaneous activity children engage in to have fun. Experts in a variety of fields including psychology, biology, health and education have conducted a multitude of studies on the concept of childhood play all proving the same critical fact — play is an essential aspect of learning. When children play, they gain a huge variety of skills:
Playgrounds are the perfect place for children to engage in free play. Structured play — including sports or organized activities — differs from free play. When a child is on a playground, the different structures and spaces give them the freedom to choose how they want to play. They can explore their own natural tendencies, interact with a broader range of age groups and awaken their creative instincts. Physical Benefits When you watch children on a playground, you’ll soon see that although they’re having fun, they’re definitely getting a workout. The CDC recommends children should have at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day — and the playground is the perfect place to get this done. Plus, when kids get into the habit of exercising and see it as an enjoyable experience, it encourages them to remain active as they get older. Playgrounds are a vital aspect of healthy development, providing a place for children to get a full-body workout, including exercises that strengthen their arms, legs, torso and so on. From the cardiovascular system to the circulatory system, each is nurtured and benefited through vigorous play. Children see a vast variety of physical benefits through playground play:
Social Development Playgrounds are not generally a solitary activity. Whenever you visit a playground, other kids are bound to be there. When children meet other kids on the playground, it teaches them important lessons about social norms and how to interact with others, all of which will come in handy in adult relationships and their future workplace. Learned social skills include:
Emotional Impact The physical and social benefits of play are more obvious. However, there are also subtle emotional changes in your child’s wellbeing that may not be as recognizable, yet are still vitally important. Physical activity and unstructured playtime on a playground serve as a healthy way to help children deal with their emotions and reduce stress levels. Not only can play serve as a distraction from their problems, but happiness is a natural byproduct of outdoor activities. Children experience many other positive emotional impacts when they’re allowed the freedom to play on a playground. Playtime benefits children because it:
Promotes Imagination Kids do more than slide, swing and climb when on a playground. Just listen to the conversations, and you’ll realize a variety of other make-believe games are taking place. Imaginary play is a given whenever kids are on the playground. When children use their imagination and play make-believe, it teaches them social roles. Creativity also fosters a child’s ability to problem-solve and develop their personality. By using their imagination, kids can try out different ideas and identities. This helps them construct a strong sense of self, as they discover their likes, dislikes and beliefs. Although developing self-identity will continue throughout their young life, the foundation begins with these innocent make-believe activities on the playground. Makes Education More Fun When a child’s school has a playground, these short breaks allow kids freedom and fun, which, in turn, makes the educational experience more fun. In fact, researchers now understand the importance of playgrounds in schools and how they have an important impact on a child’s ability to learn and develop. Opportunities for play also have an effect on children’s attendance rate at the primary school level. When a child knows there will be opportunities to let loose, they often find it easier to listen and learn in the classroom environment. CONTACT LITTLE TIKES COMMERCIAL TO LEARN ABOUT OUR HIGH-QUALITY PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT When you choose Little Tikes Commercial, we understand the importance of playgrounds for the development of children. For more than 35 years, we’ve encouraged children to explore their world and learn fundamental lessons through adventure and imagination. Whether you’re looking to replace the playground at your school or want to add some play structures to your community park, we’re committed to delivering innovative designs to promote the value of outdoor play and fun for the children you serve. We invite you to contact us today to see what we can do to assist you with your playground project. https://littletikescommercial.com/blog/importance-of-playgrounds-for-children/ |
AuthorThe parent educators with Grandview Parents As Teachers have over 100 years of cummulative early childhood and home visiting experience. Archives
September 2023
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