Playgrounds provide more than playing

School playgrounds are more than designated areas for elementary students to go and run around. Playgrounds actually provide a needed outlet for students. Providing a proper playground area is beneficial to keep children fit and healthy.

In addition to physical health and well-being, playgrounds can provide essential experiences and critical development for children in several areas. These areas include social skills, creativity, problem-solving, reasoning, organized games, and imaginative play. Learning through play is an integral part of growing up.

When playgrounds are set up for children of different ages to play safely in certain areas, they may benefit by gaining increased self-esteem and critical thinking skills, along with emotional, social, physical, and mental growth. Recess time may act as an outlet for reducing anxiety and become a welcomed outlet for children to manage stress and gain self-control. During recess play, children also learn the art of expressing themselves to others as part of their social skills. While these things may seem small, they are a big part of growing up.

The Marvell Academy Mother’s Association, through annual fundraising campaigns, purchased two new pieces of playground equipment for the Marvell Academy elementary playground over the summer. Both pieces arrived at the start of the school year and were installed. The students were very excited about the new playground equipment and have been enjoying them all Fall!