While the classroom may be a dedicated instructional time for learning and education, there are plenty of skills that can be learned outside of the classroom too. Free play, or whenever children can play without hands-on adult supervision, is a way to develop both physical and cognitive abilities. This type of play can be encouraged at school or at home and can be introduced as young as toddlers and preschoolers.

Since telling a child to go outside and play alone may not be appealing to them, the playground is an exceptional space to practice free play. In many ways, playgrounds act as a breeding ground for free play, allowing children to explore creatively and use their imagination. It’s through this free time that children pick up and develop important life skills.

In this article, we outline three hidden benefits of free play and how the playground can reinforce these learned behaviors.

1. Teaches Social Skills

One of the main benefits of free play is that it instinctively teaches children social skills. Building these skills early is important because each child will take them with them for the rest of their lives. Children who play together begin to understand the importance of sharing and cooperation. Just because they love the swing set doesn’t mean they can have it the entire time.

The playground is also a great opportunity for children to meet and interact with others that they may not know. At school, this may mean playing with kids in other classes and grades above and below them. Having school playground equipment that is appropriate for a wide range of abilities and ages is important. Alternatively, children may see their friends at the neighborhood park but there’s a greater chance of meeting and playing with others they don’t know. In both scenarios, having the playground as a ground base for encouraging play and engagement with others can foster improved social skills.

If you notice that your child keeps to themselves when at the park, it may be helpful to nudge them to play with others. Suggest that they take a turn on the slide after their new friends. You may need to guide them before they feel comfortable enough to make an introduction and start playing with a child they don’t know as well. It can also be beneficial to arrange a playdate with a friend from school. Remember, building social skills takes time so be patient and regularly go to the playground to further encourage your child.

2. Develops Motor Skills

Climbing, jumping, swinging, and balancing are all fine motor skills that children develop while on a playground. Motor skills form the foundation of movement and physical activity. Young children are just learning about what their bodies can do and how they can move independently. Motor skills allow their little bodies to form strong muscles and bones, which are needed for navigating life freely as adults.

There are two main types of motor skills, both of which benefit from free play. Gross motor skills control larger muscle groups, such as the muscles in the torso, arms, and legs. Going down the slide and swinging are all controlled by these larger muscles. Fine motor skills are the more precise movements, using muscles in the hands and fingers. Grabbing monkey bars, balancing on a structure, and climbing all require tinder muscle movements.

Playground equipment that allows children to develop both types of motor skills will help them engagingly enhance these skills. A mix of swings, slides, sand tables, walls with gears and knobs, balance beams, and climbing structures gives children the ability to explore all of their muscle movements. Think about incorporating multiple play elements into a playground to reap the most reward.

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3. Improve Communication Skills

Free play is a fantastic way for children to improve their communication skills. Being on the playground requires children to use their words and explain what they want or need. By verbally expressing themselves, they are practicing word pronunciation as well as sentence structure. Communication skills are a life skill that is important for everyone in every area of the workforce, which is why it’s crucial to develop at an early age.

In the playground, children interact with kids their age as well as those older and younger than themselves. They’ll need to learn to ask for a turn on the slide or to see if they can participate in the pretend play game. When playing a more structured game, such as tag or hopscotch they’ll need to be able to communicate the rules to others.

In addition to speaking, children will also learn how to listen. When another child on the playground wants to play on the spinner or merry-go-round, they’ll need to hear them and acknowledge their request. Non-verbal cues from facial expressions and body language will also need to be interpreted to better understand why another child is behaving in a certain way.

4. Enhances Problem-Solving Abilities

One often overlooked benefit of playground free play is its impact on children's problem-solving abilities. When children engage in unstructured play, they naturally encounter various challenges that require creative solutions. Whether it's figuring out how to climb a complex structure, determining the best way to build a sandcastle, or resolving conflicts with playmates, these situations help develop critical thinking skills.

Children learn to assess risks and make decisions independently during free play. They might experiment with different approaches to master a challenging piece of equipment or devise innovative games using available playground features. This type of experimentation helps develop resilience and adaptability, as children learn that there may be multiple solutions to a single problem.

Moreover, playground experiences often present opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. When children work together to create an imaginary game or figure out how to use playground equipment in new ways, they are developing valuable skills in teamwork and creative thinking that will serve them well throughout their lives.

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Summary

Playgrounds facilitate free play. Children are allowed to explore, jump, crawl, and swing on structures as they interact with other children. Unknowingly, they are developing important physical and cognitive skills that they will take with them into adulthood.

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