Never Underestimate The Benefits Of The Playground Games

By Mattie MacDonald


Playground games entail much more than just fun and frolic. It is one of the first places where young children learn how to socialize and develop good sportsmanship skills through group activities.

Most people have learnt the basics of any number of official sports during their first preschool years. The importance of both physical and emotional skills that kids acquire through participating in the playground games at school should never be underestimated. When young kids are happily playing silly little childhood games such as hopscotch, marbles or ring-a-ring-a-rosy, they are not only gaining confidence and social skills, but also making a life-long investment in their own physical and mental health.

Ballgames, rope skipping, sack races and other fun games not only keep a child fit and healthy, but are also essential for strengthening their muscles and to promote good eye-hand coordination. At the same time, it teaches them to interact socially with all kinds of people. They develop friendships and camaraderie with team mates and learn essential leadership and social skills in a playful way. Group activities also teach kids to respect one another and it gives them a sense of belonging.

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.

It is known that a healthy body houses a healthy mind. Active children who partake in team sport are often academically also more adept and less likely to become obese, depressed and sickly.

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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