Swinging Benefits
According to the studies of experts, there is a direct link between increased physical activity on playgrounds at school and improved classroom behavior along with academic performance. We encourage teachers and schools to incorporate six essential elements of play including sliding, swinging, spinning, climbing, balancing, and brachiating to promote activity and fitness for students. Today let’s look at the benefits of playground swings and other products that promote swinging motion during outdoor play.
Benefits of Swinging Play
According to research included in The Developmental Benefits of Playgrounds, author Dr. Joe Frost demonstrates the value of swinging play to the physical, emotional, and social development of children. Actions such as leg pumping while swinging promote fitness and whole-body awareness, and they increase the sensory rich experiences that children need which address rhythmical movement and stimulate the vestibular system which are critical in developing balance and coordination.
While swinging, children develop upper body and fine motor skills while learning the importance of timely energy transfer during movement. Swings support cooperative play between users, as well as encourage dramatic and imaginative play.
Types of Swinging Play
When mentioning swings, usually the first thing that comes to mind can be the traditional swing with a belt seat suspended from a pair of chains. However, there are many other playground activities that can provide similar benefits to traditional swinging play. In addition to the classic belt swing, there are multi-user swings including GameTime’s Expression Swing® and Saucer Swing for two children, or an adult and child, to play together.
Other types of products, such as parallel bars or challenge rings allow children to lift their bodies, using their arms and core strength, and swing their legs back and forth. These activities provide the benefits of swinging play within a smaller use area.
