Innumerable Benefits To Be Found In The Playground Games

jeudi 4 septembre 2014
By Mattie MacDonald


The seemingly silly little group games that kids play in their early years, are the foundation of their physical, social and mental development and should never be underestimated.

Most people can still remember their first childhood games and how they competed with their peers to win the sack race or to throw a ball the furthest. The skills they acquired while merely participating in the playground games at school, unknowingly equipped them with very important values and moral lessons for life. Apart from the physical benefits such as fitness, muscle development and coordination, group activities help build character and promote healthy social skills.

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.

The playground can, however, also be a breeding ground for bullying and developing bad habits if there is not proper guidance and supervision by professional teachers or coaches. Kids can be brutal and cruel and the pack instinct is still very strong - they will do anything to be popular and part of the group. A kid who becomes the target of a bully or the ringleader, can suffer immense and lasting emotional (or even physical) trauma if the situation is not immediately addressed.

Especially young kids under the age of 4 should never be allowed to play in groups without proper supervision. Team activities differ from school to school and place to place, but most kids' first experience of playground games include fun activities with basic equipment such as ropes, balls and bats to improve their balance, eye-hand coordination, as well as their muscle development. These fun games also lay the groundwork for more advanced team sports to follow in future years, by teaching them from start the proper techniques of how to catch, kick and throw a ball, hold a bat or racket or how to bowl. Experience builds confidence and a child with a healthy self-esteem is seldom shy or depressed.

Group activities and team sport also help to combat social and health problems such as obesity, depression and poor academic performance. Happy, balanced children love to play in groups. Evidence is growing that physical activity and team sport might even increase a child's numeracy and literacy adeptness.

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 physical, social and mental advantages of healthy playground games should never be underestimated, as it lays the foundation for a happy, balanced and well-adjusted individual.




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