Academic Benefits of Playgrounds

We all know that playgrounds are amazing places for children to run around, get exercise, and play with their friends. But, did you know that when kids play on a playground, they are also improving their ability to perform better in the classroom?

Here’s a break down of how each playground piece helps your child succeed in school:

#1- Monkey Bars

• Builds upperbody and hand strength needed for pencil grip, scissor grip, and handwriting/typing endurance
• Develops eye-hand coordination needed for handwriting, cutting, and coloring
• Hanging from the monkey bars elongates the spine which causes a release of neurotransmitters to elicit a calming response (great before a big test or busy day at school!)

#2- Slide

• Stimulates the vestibular system which is responsible for balance, coordination, and spatial orientation.
• Helps with writing, reading, and standing in the lunch line without bumping into other kids

#3- Climbing Wall

• Builds upperbody and hand strength needed for for pencil grip, scissor grip, and handwriting/typing endurance
• Develops core strength needed for upright posture when writing or typing and sitting in class
• Improves attention and concentration
• Improves bilateral coordination skills needed for handwriting, cutting, tying shoes, buttoning, and zipping

#4- Teeter Totter Swing

• Encourages teamwork, communication, and social interaction
• Stimulates the vestibular system which is responsible for balance, coordination, and spatial orientation
• Develops internal body rhythm needed for reading fluidity
• Develops upperbody and hand strength needed for pencil grip, scissor grip, and handwriting/typing

#5- Swing

• Stimulates the vestibular system which is responsible for balance, coordination, and spatial orientation
• Develops body coordination
• Develops internal body rhythm needed for reading fluidity
• Develops upperbody and hand strength needed for pencil grip, scissor grip, and handwriting/typing
• Develops core strength needed for upright postures to promote better handwriting, attention, and concentration
• The child pushing the swing is receiving deep proprioceptive input needed for calming and organizing the body
• Parents may even want to consider putting up wooden swings in their garden as a way of keeping their kids active and entertained around the home

#6 Look Out Area

• Promotes body and spatial awareness needed for self-control and personal boundaries
• Fosters creativity and imagination
• Exposes children to heights to decrease gravitational insecurity and increase body awareness

#7 Play House

• Promotes social interaction and speech development
• Builds independent problem solving skills
• Encourages role playing
• Fosters creativity and imagination
• Develops friendship bonding skills and self-confidence

Feel good about sending your kids out to play as its benefits extend far beyond the confines of the playground!