Perspective

Child’s play essential to growth, development

Last night, as I passed the playground in our local park, I stopped to watch a girl who was learning the principal of motion, strengthening core muscles, expanding powers of imagination, and making friends, all through one activity: using the swing. As she played, she shouted, “I can fly,” grinning broadly. Seated in the adaptive-style swing next to her was a boy whose mother had transferred him from his wheelchair and was pushing him to and fro. The young girl turned to the boy and asked, “Don’t you love to fly?” He grinned and said, “Yes, flying is the best.”

Anne-Marie Spencer director of marketing for GameTime

Childhood development experts often say play is the work of the child. We know free play allows children to develop physical strength and fitness, but these experts have shown children also learn cooperative behaviors, develop relationships, and build cognitive and emotional skills while at play. Lev Vygotsky, who is responsible for the social development theory of learning, is quoted as saying, “Play contains all developmental tendencies … and is itself a major source of development.” Take the kids in the park: They weren’t just swinging, they were “flying,” as their imaginations created a new adventure. The wheelchair wasn’t important; the kids simply were having fun together—and reaping a wealth of other benefits at the same time.

Too often, adults rebuff the importance of play. In a time where recess and physical education are being reduced in favor of more class time, it is important to realize that play is an important facet of total education. Play provides opportunities for exploration and interaction with the environment, and thus enhanced discovery and creativity. As children learn to master new skills on the equipment, they develop the ability to focus and control behavior while developing strength and self-esteem.

Consider overhead or “monkey” bars for example. The skill used to travel from hand to hand (brachiating) is unique to the playground. Children use complex rationalization and reasoning as they develop problem-solving skills, discovering the reach needed in relation to the swing of their body weight to grasp the next rung. They develop strength as they traverse the equipment. And, perhaps most importantly, when they finally reach the other side, the self-esteem and pride they gain is immeasurable. And all this from the playground.

Every play activity—be it swinging, sliding, or climbing—develops its own skill set, emotional expansion, and strength development opportunities. Children take turns, solve problems, and learn to play together. They elevate their heart rate, and get valuable physical exercise. Research has proven that 30 minutes of play on well-designed playground equipment can advance a child’s caloric burn to half the daily recommendation by the United States Surgeon General.

With all this in mind, we need to encourage local public facilities to incorporate playgrounds into the activities offered for children. We need to be sure that schools include play and opportunities for physical exercise as valid components of the school day. We need to ensure that parents encourage outdoor play, and don’t allow children to become overly absorbed in sedentary games. We need to be sure that all people understand the power of play in the overall development model of children, to help them develop into happy, healthy, and well-adjusted adults.

Anne-Marie Spencer is a group facilitator for “Partnership to Promote Play,” serves on the marketing committee for International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association, and is the director of marketing for GameTime. She participates in play research and product development and lectures on the importance of play throughout the United States. Passionate about outdoor activity and its role in developing children, Spencer will present the forum “The Dynamics of Play Lead to Healthier, Smarter Children” during the 92nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in San Antonio, Texas.