Playgrounds are more than just play!

Playgrounds are one of the favorite places of a child. This is where they are free to run and play with other children. But aside from giving them fun, playgrounds offer a great opportunity for children to learn important social skills that they can apply later on in their life. It doesn’t not only promote physical fitness to children, but also equips their communicating and social skills. There are a lot ways on how a playground can contribute to a child’s social abilities.

The playground is a place for young children to gain friends. This is where they start to learn how to interact with other children as well. It gives them the idea that they are not the only one who uses the playground. Thus, they need to cooperate with other kids. They start by making turns with the equipment. Then eventually, they overcome their shyness and ask the names of other kids. Before the day ends, they have gained new friends whom they share their games that are packed with their imaginations.

Playgrounds help children to learn the value of sharing. They learn how to share the equipment such as see-saw, slides, swing etc. Since the playground has more or less one of each kind of equipment, they have to take turns and share the opportunity to use the playground. It also teaches the kids how to be patient. They have to fall in line and wait for their turn.

Children enhance their communication and social skills in playgrounds. It is where they finally interact with people whom they don’t know personally. They learn how to approach another kid who is a stranger for them. They use their communication skills to interact with other kids and finally to get to know them. They would learn to ask for help as well as help someone who is need. It also makes them learn the value of compassion. They also learn how to negotiate when it comes to sharing playground equipment with others. Playing other games with a group of kids also teach them what teamwork is. Whenever they lose, they learn how to be a good sport.

Playground also serves as avenue for a child’s creative imagination skills. They usually use their imaginations in role playing with other children as well. They turn the playground into a space shuttle, a jungle, a ship and a lot more. Using imagination is a healthy exercise for the mind because it brings about the creativity of the kids.

Daycare centers should really invest in playground facilities because it does not only provide fun and enjoyment to the kids. Playground facilities contribute a lot also in the development of social and communicating skills as well as values that are fundamental to a child’s growth. It teaches them the value of sharing, patience, teamwork, being good sport, compassion, friendship and a lot more. These skills and values are the key to the success of your children as they grow to be a better person.

See: How to start a childcare service