The seemingly silly little group games that kids play in their early years, are the foundation of their physical, social and mental development and should never be underestimated.
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.
Skipping, jumping and various ballgames are part and parcel of school activities during lunch time breaks. These games are not only crucial for a child's physical fitness and muscle development, but also help them to interact and socialize with different people in a group situation. This is the time and place where the foundation is laid for acceptable social and moral behavior and respect for others. Inappropriate conduct such as selfishness, bullying and tantrums are seldom tolerated in a group situation and thus a culprit quickly learns to either play by the rules, or be shunned.
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.
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.
Skipping, jumping and various ballgames are part and parcel of school activities during lunch time breaks. These games are not only crucial for a child's physical fitness and muscle development, but also help them to interact and socialize with different people in a group situation. This is the time and place where the foundation is laid for acceptable social and moral behavior and respect for others. Inappropriate conduct such as selfishness, bullying and tantrums are seldom tolerated in a group situation and thus a culprit quickly learns to either play by the rules, or be shunned.
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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