The Best Way To Design A Playground For Middle School
 |
Author: Austin Stanfel
Planning and designing a new playground can be challenging when you need help figuring out what to do or think about. Especially if you are designing a playground specific for middle schoolers, the process can be overwhelming. Our goal is to simplify playground planning so you can provide your middle schoolers with a beautiful play area.
Age-Appropriate Playground Equipment How Do You Choose It?
Playgrounds should be safe for all kids. As a child grows, what is best for them will change. For kids to develop their skills and grow, playground equipment must meet their needs.
The structure details are most often the determining factor when choosing age-appropriate equipment. You can create a safe, enjoyable playground for middle schoolers if you have this knowledge.
Play In A Variety Of Ways
There are many ways in which middle school kids play. Playgrounds that allow for these types of play allow kids to explore and pursue their interests at their own pace.
When choosing equipment, keep these types of play in mind
Social Play
When kids interact with their peers, they engage in social play. Therefore, social play occurs anywhere kids play together.
Imaginative Play
Children develop creativity and imagination when they play pretend. They create fictional scenarios and act them out. To encourage imaginative play, you can create a themed playground.
Reflective Play
When kids contemplate their peers and the environment, they engage in reflective play. You can help promote reflective play by adding site furnishings like benches and picnic tables and leaving open space for children to watch the clouds.
Sensory Play
Through sensory play, children are encouraged to learn, be creative, and be curious about the world around them. Spinning equipment, swings, and slides make sensory play an enjoyable experience.
Suitable Equipment For Middle Schoolers
The playground equipment that middle school students need is more physically and mentally challenging than that for elementary school students. When designing your middle school playground, consider incorporating the following elements
Zip Lines
Zip lines in playgrounds allow children to glide at high speeds while balancing on the handle, developing their grip and upper body strength.
Climbers
Through pushing and pulling with their legs, climbing helps kids build strength throughout their bodies. Older kids can climb rock walls for a new level of challenge, while younger kids can compete in overhead climbing events that work their cores and upper bodies.
Spinners
Kids benefit from spinning playground equipment because it provides them with safer thrills and activates their vestibular system, which plays an essential role in balance. The motion develops coordination and core strength for kids while providing a thrilling experience.
Games
Traditional playground games like tetherball or toss-up promote healthy peer competition and encourage bonding between children in middle school.
Conclusion
Children in middle school should play just as much as they did in elementary school. This article was written to make the process easier for anyone considering building a playground for middle schoolers. We are happy to say that it did.