Never Underestimate The Benefits Of The Playground Games

By Mattie MacDonald


Fun and games on the playground has much more to it than meets they eye. This is the place where young kids learn for the first time how to interact in a group and develop a team attitude.

A love of team sport is usually acquired at a young age during preschool activities when kids are also introduced to the basics of most sport codes. The bonus is that partaking in the playground games at school teach them much more than just good sportsmanship and sport techniques. Group activities also promote mental and physical well-being and equip a child with essential social skills for life.

Skipping, jumping and various ballgames are part and parcel of school activities during lunch time breaks. These games are not only crucial for a child's physical fitness and muscle development, but also help them to interact and socialize with different people in a group situation. This is the time and place where the foundation is laid for acceptable social and moral behavior and respect for others. Inappropriate conduct such as selfishness, bullying and tantrums are seldom tolerated in a group situation and thus a culprit quickly learns to either play by the rules, or be shunned.

There is, however, also a downside to playground games if it is not properly supervised. Young kids are normally selfish and unwilling to share. Bullying and fights can easily occur if trained teachers and coaches are not around to take control and defuse explosive situations in a proper, sensible way. Kids can be cruel to one another and victims of school bullies often suffer lasting emotional damage.

It is therefore imperative that preschool kids are never left alone to fend for themselves on a playground. They need to be consistently supervised and occupied with innovative and original games to keep their attention and interest. Many of these group activities are focused on preparing them for formal sport codes. By using a variety of educational equipment such as balls, hoops, ropes and bats, they learn the basic skills of many official sport codes while they are having fun. The physical benefits of these games are innumerable. It helps to keep them fit and healthy, develop good muscle tone and balance, as well as improve their eye-hand coordination.

The old adage - a healthy body, a healthy mind - is more applicable than ever in today's life where society puts tremendous pressure on kids to excel in various fields. Research indicates that physical activity might also increase a child's academic ability.

Being part of a team or a group, promotes confidence and a sense of belonging. Children learn about camaraderie, team spirit and respect for others. Many lifelong friendships are formed on a school playground or sport field. Group activities also teach kids leadership skills, persistence, problem solving and how to deal with disappointments when their team loses.

The playground is the first place where kids learn in a group situation how to become healthy, happy and well-adjusted individuals.




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