As children, we all loved going to the playground. It was a chance to explore, have fun, and just be a kid. Now that we’re full-time parents, many of us think that a school should only focus on mere education. But little did we know that schools with more playground equipment tend to have better academic and non-academic outcomes. That’s right – research has shown that adding playground equipment can improve cognitive skills as well as motor skills and social development in children. If you’re still not convinced, here we’ve rounded up four more surprising benefits of having a playground in school.
Leads Kids to Developing Better Gross Motor Skills
A playground in school gives children a chance to improve their gross motor skills. This includes activities like running, jumping, climbing, and even hopping. All these activities help develop coordination and balance in kids. These physical activities also help children build strong bones and muscles, which is essential for healthy development. Playground equipment like monkey bars, slides, and swings are a great way for kids to hone their gross motor skills.
Inspires Creative Thinking
Children tend to be more creative when they play on playground equipment. By exploring the different pieces of playground equipment, they can come up with new games and activities that allow them to use their imagination and problem-solving skills.
This type of creative thinking can help children develop their cognitive skills and prepare them for the future. This is just like what research from the University of California has revealed.
Aids Better Socialization
Playgrounds are not just a great way to develop physical skills, they can also help children socialize and learn important life lessons. It allows them to interact with other children and helps them understand the importance of teamwork. This kind of socialization is essential for kids to grow up to be more confident and better-adjusted individuals. On top of that, a study from the University of Missouri found that playgrounds can actually help reduce aggression in kids. The kids who had access to playgrounds tended to be less aggressive compared to those who didn’t.
Improves Self-Confidence
Often, playgrounds provide kids with a safe environment to test their abilities and try new things. This can help boost their confidence as they learn that they are capable of accomplishing anything as long as they put in the work. By having access to playground equipment, children can discover what they’re good at and make mistakes without fear of judgment or ridicule from other peers. This can help them become more confident and secure in themselves, which is important for their overall development.
All these benefits prove that having a playground in school isn’t just beneficial to children’s physical health but also helps them develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. So if you’re looking for ways to give your child the best education possible, be sure to look for a school with a set of playground equipment. Not only will it help your child excel academically, but it will also give them a chance to be the best version of themselves.…