While many young children enjoy engaging in active play, some may need a bit of encouragement. Recent reports indicate that just 43% of children between the ages of six to 11 receive the recommended amount of exercise every day. Fortunately, there are quite a few school districts that continue to offer a recess period for elementary school students. This amounts to 73% of the United States’ school districts. When children don’t attend a school that provides recess, there’s a good chance that this is a factor in their not being as active as they could be.
Since regular exercise makes a difference in a child’s overall health and well-being, experts report that they should engage in at least an hour a day of moderate activity. In addition to assisting children with maintaining a healthy weight, regular play contributes to the development of genes located within their cerebral cortex. It’s been found that regular play affects a minimum of 400 cerebral cortex genes. Exercise can also provide opportunities for children to interact socially and engage in cooperative activities.
Even though many areas throughout the United States may have public parks and playgrounds, others may only have school playgrounds or community church playgrounds. In order to provide a space where children can interact with each other and receive the amount of exercise that they need, installing indoor and/or outdoor playground equipment can make a positive difference. When existing equipment is outdated, in disrepair, or otherwise unsafe, it can easily be upgraded and replaced.
If you’re planning to rebuild a playground, such as a church playground, were you aware that this can encourage young children to increase their play time? A recent study showed that this can be as much as 66%! When you contact a playground equipment service, you can learn more about the different types of equipment that are available. In addition to indoor play equipment, you may be interested in having outdoor play equipment so the children can enjoy the fresh air. Horse spring riders, climbing walls, and other types of playground equipment can provide hours of fun and exercise for the young children in your care.
