7 Elements of Play & How They Impact Learning in the Classroom
Element #1: Balancing

by Deborah Stevens-Smith View Bio & Jami Murdock View Bio

Deborah Stevens-Smith

Dr Deborah Smith has taught at Clemson University for 28 years in the College of Education. She teaches elementary physical education methods to preservice teachers with a focus on enhancing play in the classroom. Dr. Smith is a professor in the College of Education at Clemson University, Clemson, SC. She can be reached at stevens@clemson.edu.

Jami Murdock

Jami Murdock has been an early childhood educator for over 25 years with a focus on using play to prepare children for upcoming educational experiences. She operated an “in home” daycare center for 13 years and has been teaching preschool for the past 12 years. She has experience working with children on the autism spectrum and sensory processing dysfunction. Jami presents on “How Important are Playground Activities to a Child’s Success in the Classroom.” Her passion is her family and her work with children. She can be reached at jamimurdock@yahoo.com. Visit www.abcreative.net for more information on the author's work

Remember the old days, when you would grab your bike and friends and go down to the park and play on the playground for hours? Playgrounds were where the magic happened for children. Adult and child, young and old, it does not matter … we all play. Although the concept of play has been questioned, examined, and sometimes eliminated from the curriculum for more academic pursuits, the value derived from play is undeniable. Play is closely tied to the development of cognitive, motor, physical, and socialization skills, and is a powerful element in the development of the total child.

“Play is the chief vehicle for the development of imagination and intelligence, language, social skills, and perceptual-motor abilities in infants and young children." Frost (1992, p. 42)

What exactly happens when children play? What are the elements involved that lead to more significant cognitive development? Over the course of the next few months, we will outline seven elements of play that contribute greatly to the development of the brain and transfer to learning in the classroom: balancing, sliding, brachiating, spinning, climbing, swinging, and sensory development. These elements are the fundamental tools used in play that result in benefits which affect all aspects of growth and development.

Each article will begin with a definition of the element, benefits that are evident on the playground, followed by the benefits to learning in the classroom. The first element of play we will focus on is balancing. Balancing occurs in many areas of the playground and is essential to the development of reading and writing skills.

BALANCING:

The definition of balancing is to bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.

BENEFITS ON THE PLAYGROUND:

1. Kids who develop balance and stability have better body awareness and coordination because balance is the pillar beneath every skill we use. Today, it is more challenged than ever because of excessive leaning over computers, heavy backpacks, and obesity, which all affect posture and balance. 
2. Balance also promotes pretend play like ”walk the plank” (walking a balance beam), taking turns, and working together. It helps children problem solve, such as when they have to figure out what to do when they meet in the middle of the beam, or how to get around each other. Balance also develops muscle strength and endurance, particularly core strength, which is needed more and more in today's society for healthy posture.

BENEFITS IN THE CLASSROOM:

1. Learning balance helps children develop better concentration needed for sitting and paying attention in class.
2. Balancing uses mechanical principles and helps kids understand concepts such as gravity, equilibrium, counterbalance, and other sports skills.
3. It promotes questioning and problem-solving skills to sort out questions like, “Why is this happening?”
4. It develops eye-hand coordination, so children can appropriately place letters and words on a page as they write.
5. Balance develops postural control to develop the strength to sit, not get tired, and focus on the task at hand.

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