7 Elements of Play & How They Impact Learning in the Classroom
Element #6: Swinging

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

As children head outside for recess, the race is on to swing, slide, and climb. Playgrounds enable children to rejuvenate their bodies and strengthen their muscles. We cannot see the physical enhancement that is going on, but we can see the positive effects on mood and activity levels, as children are just having fun.

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning. – Diane Ackerman

The sixth element in our series centers on swinging. As swings move back and forth the motion can motivate the child to either get more excited, relax, or calm down. The desire to fly through the air and fall as you jump from the swing makes swinging a favorite for all ages, however there are several strong developmental skills associated with swinging.

SWINGING:

The definition of swinging is to move back and forth suspended or as if suspended from above in one particular direction.

BENEFITS ON THE PLAYGROUND:

1. Swinging develops a child's vestibular system especially when the child may have problems with balance or equilibrium and coordinates eye movements with head movements.
2. It also develops whole body awareness and coordination.
3. Swinging assists the proprioceptive system which involves motor planning and control, detection of the movement position of the body, and coordinated movements.
4. It also strengthens arms, legs, and a child’s core, as it takes a great deal of coordination to make a swing move.
5. Children learn that actions have consequences, such as ”What goes up must come down” or “If I walk in front of that swing I may get knocked down.”

BENEFITS IN THE CLASSROOM:

1. Swinging helps a child process information, such as writing, coloring, and cutting, which require whole body awareness.
2. Assists in the development of postural stability , which is essential for tying shoes, buttons, pouring drinks, and washing hands.
3. Swinging relaxes a child and calms them down.
4. It promotes risk-taking (in a positive way).
5. Finally, it develops fine motor skills needed for writing and manipulating objects.

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