A playground is a place that enables creativity, imagination, and development. Most preschools will have playgrounds in their area. But when it comes to preschool playground equipment, do you know what type of equipment is suitable for your preschool.
If you notice, the playground equipment used for primary or high-school kids is different from those used in preschools. This is because different age groups have different physical, social, and cognitive abilities. When choosing preschool playground equipment, you need to get one suitable for the children.
Depending on your preschool, typically, preschoolers are between 2-6 years old. The preschool playground equipment that you choose must be useable and accessible. With the correct equipment, preschoolers can have an inspiring learning environment to learn the power of innovation. With the appropriate playground structures, the children can discover new things, build up their strength and learn to connect with other kids.
So what exactly do you need to take note of when you are getting preschool playground equipment? Read on, and you have a general idea about getting suitable preschool playground equipment.
What Can A Preschool Playground Equipment Do For Preschoolers?
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Children aged 2 to 5 can grow fast and adapt to the environment quickly. They will learn to speak, interact with people, behave and move. Some skills that you want preschoolers to develop during this age include:
- Social and emotional: Preschoolers should be developing their personality at this age. Playing with others can improve their social interaction and engage them in positive relationships. Playing in the playground can help them to be more self-regulation, self-confidence, and cooperate with others.
- Cognitive development: Playing in the playground can improve the foundations of learning and problem-solving. The playtime routine can help them be more self-disciplined, adhere to a schedule, and learn what to expect. It can help them understand that they are free to play in the playground but need to focus in the classroom.
- Language and communication: Playing with others can help build their communication skills. Preschoolers can earn how to convey their emotions and share the preschool playground equipment with other kids.
Preschool playground equipment can help children explore these skills and strengthen them. Playgrounds can also be a learning environment where preschoolers practice their social skills. It is crucial for them to learn how to share, express emotions, and learning how to make friends.
Preschool Playground Equipment That Is Suitable For Preschoolers
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Preschool playground equipment needs to fits preschoolers’ physical capabilities. The placement of preschool playground equipment should allow preschoolers to have free movement to exert their physical energy and play with other kids. Here are some recommendations on choosing preschool playground equipment for preschoolers.
Means of Access: In a preschool playground, there should be plenty of entry and exit areas around the preschool playground equipment for the children to move freely around. It can also reduce the crowd on platforms. The means of access can include slides, ramps, stairs, and other equipment that allows preschoolers to get in and out. You can also have areas where kids can crawl freely to give them more physical activity.
Smaller Steps and Lower Platforms: While choosing your preschool playground equipment, you will need to consider the height of the equipment. Preschoolers will need smaller steps and lower platforms. You can include handrails and other elements on the equipment, such as transition points, decks, and bridges to help the children move about. Having a smaller measurement allows preschoolers to navigate around the playground easier.
Pieces to Manipulate Materials: Playground is a great play to incorporate learning. While they enjoy the fun, they can discover more things around them. Placing low play tables allows preschoolers to play with sand and water, which will excite them about sensory play. It can help the children to identify objects and colors around them in nature.
Slides: Slides are very common preschool playground equipment. You should have hoods to encourage preschoolers to sit down correctly before sliding. These hoods can prevent preschoolers from climbing, standing, or walking down the slide.
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Fall Height: Fall height means the distance between the highest point of your preschool playground equipment and the protective surface on the ground below. When choosing the equipment, you must ensure that the fall height is suitable for preschoolers. The fall height for preschoolers should be shorter and smaller compared to equipment for older kids. All equipment should be at an appropriate height to accommodate the preschoolers.
Sightlines: Free and unstructured play allows the children to explore and give them independence. But you must ensure the children’s safety. You will need to ensure that the caregivers can see all the children while playing on the playground. Children at this age can easily attempt to push others away. It is important that adults can step in and supervise. All the preschool playground equipment should have minimal barriers.
Research Your Options: There are endless options for playground equipment for preschoolers. You will want to do some research to find the best choice for your preschool playground. You will need to consider your preschool’s color scheme, size, and the number of children. Take your time to look for different elements and solutions that fit your preschool. Many pre-designed preschool playground equipment is available, but you can search for custom preschool equipment if needed. It can provide a unique play experience.
Determine Your Budget: Budget is an important part when you are choosing the equipment for your preschool. You need to include many things in your budgets, such as the equipment itself, installation, and site preparation. Built a playground that fits your location, size, and age group of the children.
While learning in class is important, playing outside is equivalently important. But remember their safety, no matter indoor or outdoor. When choosing your preschool playground equipment, choose the right one that suits the preschoolers and your preschool.
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