Top 10 Ways You Can Constructively Teach Children by Using a Playground
Author: Austin Stanfel
You’d naturally assume playgrounds are for playing, but why can’t they double up as a classroom? Children learn in different ways. Some open their minds in the Classroom with the teacher showing a science demonstration while other methods are more productive. Sometimes a school playground can be a tool that helps teach a child about science, math, and much more. You probably disagree with that; however, it can be a notion worth considering. So, what ten ways can you teach a child by using a school playground?
1. The Power of Reading
Playgrounds can be the perfect venue when you want your children to sit outside on a sunny day and read. It’s a great way to escape the noise of the Classroom and can ensure a child’s mind focuses on the book. Playgrounds do give children the opportunity to learn in many ways.
2. Expand Social Skills
Sometimes, children do not have strong social skills and find it difficult to interact with others. It can be easier to encourage a child’s social skills through play. The school playground can be ideal for children to play individually and as a group, leaving no one out. This ensures a child learns how to interact with others their own age and have fun. It’s a great learning tool and something that should not be underestimated.
3. Boosting a Child’s Health
Children don’t often get enough time to play. As a result, some carry extra pounds on them, which hampers their physical fitness and abilities. School playgrounds often give children the opportunity to have some downtime from school and get them moving. It’s also a great way to educate a child on the importance of physical activity and movement. This is essential for children of all ages as they can be encouraged to keep active throughout their lives.
4. Learning Numbers
Playgrounds are versatile and give children the opportunity to learn about counting, numbers, addition, subtractions, and lots more. It’s all done with games, so it is fun for the children and educators. Sometimes, it is easier to educate a child or even learn something through fun methods. Playgrounds can offer children this opportunity, and it’s fantastic.
5. Furthering Their Language Skills
You are in the school playground with your class. There are trees around, birds flying overhead, and many chances to flex the child’s vocabulary. If the child is learning a second language, this gives them the chance to use the words in a sentence. For instance, you can prompt a child to answer the type of bird perched on a tree or the shade of the cars in the parking lot. There are lots of ways for a child to learn as they play.
6. Unleashing Creativity Through Play
Children’s minds expand and explode as they play. You’d be surprised with how many stories a child can come up with in their mind as they play. Every time a child uses the school playground, it can give them ideas and story prompts, which can be used in the Classroom. Children can focus on imaginative storytelling and writing because of the inspiration at the playground. This teaches a child to tell a story and can be a fantastic tool for any child to learn.
7. Unleashing Knowledge of Local Historical Events
There are lots of ways for children to learn about specific subjects while on the playground. You can re-enact battles, infamous scenes of history, and more. It’s a fantastic way for the child to learn about those events and do so in a way that interests them. By re-enacting scenes from history, it gives the children the chance to be part of that history. It might make it easier for them to learn about history.
8. A Practical for Science
Children often have difficulty with science because it’s complicated, and sometimes you need to see a practical demonstration. The playground can be an excellent stage for children to learn about science. It’s a more effective way to learn and is much more appealing than sitting in a classroom.
9. The Power of Art
Playgrounds are fun and quite interactive. You can encourage a child’s artistic flair. They can sketch the playground, learn about light contrast, and more. A lot of people might not overthink about playgrounds being used as an educational tool. However, they do a lot. This gives you the ability to teach children about more subjects, and that’s important. It might ensure a child’s educational interests are maintained throughout their lives.
10. Use Music to Expand a Child’s Knowledge
Some playgrounds can be interactive in more ways than one, including having an area dedicated to music. Expanding a child’s knowledge through the power of music can be fantastic. What’s more, there are lots of ways to learn. You can teach a child to play an instrument or new music styles and even music history.
Education Doesn’t Stop in the Classroom
Many people assume children can only learn in a structured environment and that the Classroom is the only avenue to explore. However, that is not entirely true. You can find children have different educational methods, including the playground. School playgrounds can be the ideal setting for children to learn because there are many ways. You can educate children on science, encourage them to read, and unleash their creative side too. Playgrounds can constructively educate children and should not be dismissed so easily.