Gimme FIVE for Preschool Play!
We have 5 quick key points that help illustrate the essential role that playgrounds play in early childhood development. Check them out!
- Play Promotes Healthy Physical Activity
We all know kids have tons of energy and they will use that energy if they are inside or out. Play on playground equipment like swings, slides, and climbing structures help improve their gross and fine motor skills. You’ll notice kids practicing balance, coordination, and many more skills on the playground. Physical activity is beneficial in so many ways! - Play Helps Form Social Skills
There’s a reason we all remember life-lessons we learned on the playground. We learn so much while playing and interacting with our peers at a young age. While playing children learn to share, take turns, and cooperate with others. Communication skills improve as we practice listening, speaking, and understanding nonverbal cues. Kids learn so much without realizing they are learning while playing! - Play Builds Creativity and Imagination
You’ll notice a lot of creativity and imagination in children who are playing on a playground. Not only do they explore the actual physical play environment created for them, they build on that. A play structure that has a futuristic shape quickly becomes a spaceship weaving between stars and asteroids at great speeds. They create exciting games and scenarios, skills that our adult minds have long forgotten, but with just a little help from our youngest friends can be rekindled and you’ll be playing along sooner than you realize. It’s a beautiful world of creativity and these kids know how to make the most out of it all. - Play Can Be Inclusive for All
A playground designed with inclusivity in mind is an amazing place for all. Not only do siblings that have different abilities get to play together, but all children—both old friends and new friends—enjoy playing alongside each other unhindered by their limitations. - Play is the Work of Children
We’ve heard the old adage, “Play is the work of the child” - Maria Montessori. And nowhere does this ring more true than observing the work of a child on a playground. They interact with peers, use their imagination and creativity, and engage in physical activity. As the children play they build a sense of community and team-work many times.
These 5 points are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much that we could say about preschool playgrounds and their benefits for the students there. If your preschool playground could use an update we’d be happy to show you the options. Give us a call today! 205-663-5058
