Playgrounds aren’t just about entertainment – they’re a key
part of a child’s development. From confronting danger with climbing structures
to social skills garnered by interaction in a play environment, playing outside
helps children grow.
Natural playgrounds and adventure playgrounds, built using
wood, stone, sand and water, are a growing trend thanks to their sustainability
and their suitability in a wide variety of landscapes. Put simply, they blend
more seamlessly into different environments – from National Trust parks to
schoolyards. However, the natural elements of play also benefit children’s
development. Here’s how:
10. Versatility
Playground design that uses fixed, unnatural equipment
limits development. There is a finite number of ways for children to play
creatively. When children become bored, accidents are more likely to occur and
as such, providing versatility in play is key (Frost 1985, cited in Striniste
& Moore, 1989).
9. Visual preference
In a study, it was revealed that children actively prefer
playground installations that utilised natural materials and forms. This helps
engender imagination and encourages children to interact with the playground.
Again, boredom can cause accidents in playgrounds – so visual appeal is also
vital. Installing natural play elements was also found to improve children’s
spatial cognitive awareness, socialisation and fantasy play skills. (Herrington
& Studmann, 1998).
The environmental aspect can’t be ignored either – with
natural playgrounds providing a less jarring fit to play areas in national
parks or other scenic areas.
8. Construction skills
Natural playgrounds generally incorporate moveable objects
such as sand, logs, pebbles and rocks. These are often complemented with
buckets, spades, string or fabric which can be used by children to learn
construction skills. Natural play encourages creativity through the interaction
of these elements. These construction projects, such as digging channels in
sand or creating dams in water channels with pebbles, provide satisfaction to
children.]
Research has also revealed that children using construction
skills in natural playgrounds are found to work cooperatively, which helps them
problem solve and think creatively. One study by Hestenes, Shin & DeBord
(2007) found that in playgrounds that used natural elements, children were far
more likely to use constructive play over functional play.
7. Improved physical fitness
While this is also true of more traditional playgrounds, the
uneven landscapes and play equipment present in natural playgrounds are
beneficial to exercise: whether that’s climbing a wall, jumping over barriers,
climbing over log structures or building their construction skills, a child’s
physical fitness will improve.
6. Social development
Outdoor play environments stimulate social development far
better than indoor ones – and the size and variety of the equipment provided in
outdoor playgrounds also helps stimulate larger projects. These larger projects
generally encourage more sociodramatic play themes, as children tackle bigger
obstacles in groups. (Davies, 1996).
5. Cognitive development
Studies have found that playground design is crucial in
aiding pretend play and divergent thinking. Creativity varies as a result of
playground design – more pretend play and creativity occurs as a result of
contemporary natural playgrounds compared to traditional designs.
4. Co-operation
Traditional playgrounds that use monkey bars, slides and
swings encourage competition rather than co-operation. Natural playgrounds were
found to create opportunities to play creatively and work together to either
construct solutions or confront problems.
3. Time at play
Studies have shown that children playing in natural
environments spend more time actively playing. This increase in playtime has the
additional benefit of providing better physical fitness. Put simply: your child
will absorb more of the benefits of playtime, since natural playgrounds
increase overall time playing.
2. Teacher interaction
Teachers are a key part of school play, as their role as an
observer and guide is vital in development. Teachers were found to be more
likely to support and facilitate a child’s development when in the presence of
higher quality outdoor play equipment. (DeBord et al., 2005)
1. Confronting risk
While safety is key to every playground, children must learn
to confront risk as an important part of their development. Natural play areas
are a good way to present elements of risk thanks to climbing and jumping
challenges – but also balance that risk with safety measures such as soft-landing
surfaces and generally softer equipment.
As we can see, natural playgrounds help benefit children and
their development in a range of ways – from encouraging social interaction with
others, to improving overall fitness and wellbeing. Encourage the children
around you to venture outdoors and explore by visiting Infinite Playgrounds.
There, you can discover how we can provide you with an unforgettable play
facility that will last for years to come.
Sources:
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