Playgrounds are often filled with types of activities for kids, including jungle gyms, slides and swings. According to the Surgeon General, as of January 2010, approximately one in every three children in the United States is considered obese or overweight. Playground time offers a chance for children to get some of the physical activities vital to physical health. The equipment on a playground helps kids get exercise for strengthening their bodies. For example, a jungle gym helps children build arm and leg strength.
Another reason why playgrounds help preschool children is providing a way for kids to socialize. In the classroom, the children might not have a lot of opportunities to socialize with other children. When they reach the playground, however, they do. Children learn to play with others, take turns and the virtue of self-control and not always getting their way.
Learning how to play on various types of playground equipment can help preschool children improve fine and gross motor skills. Motor skills help children perform such activities as jumping and moving their bodies in different ways. Playgrounds can also help children with their self-esteem. When they learn or master a certain activity, they become more encouraged to keep trying new things.
If you've ever watched small children play on a playground, you may notice how they delve in and use their imaginations, especially when playing with other kids. Playground activities encourage creativity because it allows time for children to pretend. For example, they may play on a jungle gym, imaging that it's a spaceship or a house.