Exercise is essential to a child's growth and development. School playgrounds provide children with more than just a place to play. Kids are in school all day, so the playground offers them social interaction, fresh air, a break from the classroom and some of their much-needed physical exercise.
Kids and Exercise
Kids have a lot of energy and they require exercise to burn it off. They usually can meet their physical exercise needs through playing. Climbing, jumping, running, hopping, crawling and sliding are all ways kids can move their bodies while they play. School playground equipment specifically caters to these activities. Physical activity helps kids start down the path of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Social and Developmental Importance
Meeting other kids on the playground introduces kids to the world outside of their comfort zone, helping them learn to adapt to new situations. According to Kenneth R. Ginsberg, M.D, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth." Playgrounds offer a place to build early team-building skills and begin friendships.
Community
Children love to go to the playground, and seeing a swing set out the window often is enough to make kids ask you to stop the car. School playgrounds are great for the children in the area to make friends outside of their classroom. They are stimulating environments both visually and physically. Playgrounds usually are fun to look at and add some color to the neighborhood. Giving kids a positive place to spend their time constructively is an advantage to any community.
Risks and Precautions
There always is a risk of injury on a playground, and keeping kids safe is a priority. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, "There is no such thing as a 100 percent safe playground given the unpredictability of children, yet we should not consider taking away the opportunities playgrounds afford just because we can't guarantee no one will ever get hurt." The benefits of school playgrounds far outweigh the risks. Adult supervision would help cut down the number of accidents with additional guidance and direction of proper equipment usage might further reduce incidents. Taking time to ensure kids know the right way to play on the playground could keep it a fun, secure place for everyone.
References
- NRPA.org; Eliminate Playgrounds? You Must Be Nuts!; James A Peterson; April 2002
- Peacefulplaygrounds.com: Playground Recess Program
- Letsmove.gov: Active Schools
- AAP.org; The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds; Kenneth R Ginsberg MD, MSEd
