7 Elements of Play & How They Impact Learning in the Classroom
Element #3: Brachiating

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

Adult and child, young and old, it does not matter…we all PLAY

Children's play is often interpreted as a frivolous activity, a time to release inhibitions and break the monotony of mindless sitting in the classroom. Although the concept of play has been questioned, examined, and sometimes eliminated from the curriculum for more academic pursuits, the value that derived from play is undeniable. The incredible playground adventures most adults enjoyed have disappeared from the modern playgrounds of today. Many of the current playgrounds had equipment lower to the ground and made of cheap painted plastic that often needs repair. These changes in playground safety and materials have ushered in a whole new line of products and designs that foster new play activities, however the new designs tend to limit some very important developmental abilities encouraged by older playgrounds.

In our third article in the series, we focus on the element of brachiating. Brachiating happens as a child is crossing the monkey bars; unfortunately, there are not a lot of playgrounds with equipment left for the development of this critical element! While newer playground designs focus on safety, what is still needed is an activity where children can raise their arms to emulate this activity, while their feet are close to the ground. The vital component in brachiating is the alternating pattern, not the fact that the child is suspended in the air.

BRACHIATING:

The definition of brachiating is to move by swinging with the arms from one hold to another on overhand equipment.

BENEFITS ON THE PLAYGROUND:

1. Brachiating strengthens the upper body and develops grip strength.
2. It also increases endurance, flexibility, and eye-hand coordination.
3. It helps to develop kinesthetic awareness, which allows a child to know where their body is in space. Many structures in the body have nerve receptors that act as conduits for information that are sent to the brain. For instance, the ear sends explicit information to the brain regarding the head's orientation to gravity, acceleration, deceleration, and direction of movement. The brain also receives information from the eyes, muscles, ligaments, joints, etc. – which are required to allow your body to move smoothly, stay balanced, maintain posture, and react to the immediate environment.
4. Kids establish rhythmic body movement as they move from one bar to the next.
5. Gross, and fine motor skills are also enhanced as large and small muscle movement occurs.
6. Depth perception is improved; as the child jumps up and hangs on the bar, he/she must decide to either let go and drop to their feet or yell for help!

BENEFITS IN THE CLASSROOM:

1. Brachiating stimulates both sides of the brain for greater integration and learning.
2. Improved eye-hand coordination from brachiating helps the child read, write, and problem-solve.
3. Brachiating helps develop fine motor skills, which is required for coloring, cutting, writing, painting, and upper body strength required to sit with correct posture.
4. The development of kinesthetic awareness helps kids understand personal space and moving without bumping into things.
5. Learning to brachiate in turn helps develop communication skills as children must coordinate taking turns with others and resolve conflicts.

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