dimanche 7 septembre 2014

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.

Young kids under four years of age should thus be constantly supervised. A wide variety of games are necessary to keep them interested since their attention span is still limited. Many preschools offer specialized training classes such as Playball where kids are introduced to most of the professional sport codes in a playful manner. By learning the correct techniques from young, the youngsters gain confidence and often develop a love for most sports. Mastering the art of kicking or throwing a ball boosts their self-esteem which is essential for becoming balanced, well-adjusted individuals. Children with a low self-esteem often become shy, unhappy loners or bullies

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 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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