Playtime is seen as a chance to give children a break from the classroom, homework, and study stress. Breaktime at school is designed to help children burn off excess energy so that they can get that much-needed release and focus on their lessons when back in class. However in today’s times, playtime is seen as much more than just a break from the classroom. Today a playground is seen as a perfect opportunity to help children learn skills that they can take into adulthood. One such important life skill is social skills.
During playtime children learn to interact by making friends, resolving conflicts, and working as teams, etc. Therefore it is important to acknowledge that children learn the social skills at a playground that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Here is how the playground helps kids build social skill with playtime and how it should be made the most of:
1) Playground Games
Children are free of any inhibitions when they are away from the structure of the classroom and with minimal adult supervision. A traditional and effective way that has helped children to build social skills is through playground games. We all have fond memories of these games from when we were children and while at the time they just seemed like fun,unknowingly they gave us a chance to learn how to organize ourselves into teams. Additionally, they teach children how to play by rules and follow regulations without adults dictating it to them.
Come up with fun ways to encourage children to set up traditional playground games, for example, make sure that playground surfaces have markings that are ideal for traditional games like hopscotch. Additionally, you can install sports and game equipment into playgrounds, this will allow them to take the initiative and set up their games at playtime.
2) Adventure play
Ignite children’s imagination by installing adventure equipment into playgrounds. Encourage children to learn about teamwork and cooperation with the help of fitness and adventure trails. For example, multi-play units with slides, climbing frames and bridges,will encourage children to assist each other, inspire one and another to try new games, embrace challenges, and face fears bravely. At Arihant Play, we supply a range of adventure equipment from tunnels to large multi-play units that will make it easier for you to choose the right type of equipment. These fun pieces of play equipment will encourage children’s social skills no matter the size of your playground or your budget.
3) Relax and talk
The development of children’s social skills does not always happen through play. When playtime pauses, children gather to rest. By installing outdoor furniture children have a place to relax and talk which encourages the development of these social skills. Gone are the days where outdoor seating just needed to be comfortable. Seating areas should be fun and inspiring with say benches in the shape of logs and picnic tables that incorporate board games etc. It is also important to install undercover seating areas that provide adequate shade in summer.
When you give children a place to sit means that they have the chance to have conversations about their interests, families, and hobbies. A cozy resting place will help them build friendships away from the direct supervision of adults. This encourages children to build confidence and independence in communicating with their peers, an important skill that they need to cultivate at this time of their childhood to help them establish friendships when they become older.
ArihantPLAY is India’s leading manufacturer in kids’ playground equipment. We are proud to offer some of the best playground equipment for playgrounds throughout India and beyond. Place an inquiry today!
