Posts Tagged ‘Playgrounds’
Playgrounds Enhance Social Skills And Promote Fitness
When children use a playground at a daycare center, they are getting fit both physically and socially. Daycare playgrounds are designed for use by multiple children at the same time, and children learn the following social skills while at play: sharing, taking turns, and respect for boundaries. Sharing is made possible when children encounter a shared piece, such as a merry-go-round. This device allows many children to share the space and all ride together. Sharing is also learned through the use of swings – not every child can have a swing, so small groups play while the others push. Taking turns is a social skill that is essential to adults in today’s society, so children must learn this skill early on. Playgrounds at daycare centers that have hopscotch or basketball kits offer the opportunity for taking turns. Playgrounds that have ample space for a game of basketball also benefit the daycare children. Basketball is highly competitive and boosts physical endurance while forcing children to share the ball. Respect for boundaries is an important skill learned on playgrounds, as some children will find the corner to be alone while other children will find the group to go be with. Tag and dodge ball are two playground boundary-based games that allow children an appropriate outlet for physical energy while promoting healthy social skills development. Playgrounds are essential to the development of social skills that children need in today’s society.
