Climbing frames have been a favourite among pre-schoolers for generations. These frames not only provide children with endless fun and entertainment but also provide a range of developmental benefits that are essential for their growth and wellbeing. In this post, we will discuss seven reasons why EYFS playgrounds need a climbing frame.
- Helps physical development
Climbing frames offer a fantastic opportunity for young children to develop their physical strength, coordination and balance. They provide a challenging, age-appropriate environment that encourages children to develop their gross motor skills through climbing, jumping, balancing and swinging. As a result of these physical activities, children are able to build strong muscles, improve coordination and become physically fitter.
- Increases confidence
Confidence is an important personal attribute that comes from experience. One of the great things about putting climbing frames in an EYFS playground is that they offer children an opportunity to challenge themselves and push beyond their comfort zones. As they master the different elements of the frame, they become more confident in their physical abilities, which translates to other areas of their lives. The sense of accomplishment that children get from overcoming a climbing challenge helps to build not just their confidence, but their self-esteem as well.
- Enhances problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is vital not just for being successful in education but for life in general. Climbing frames are ideal for helping to develop these skills at a very early age as they provide children with an environment that presents a range of problems that require creative thinking to solve. As children explore the different elements of the frame, for example, a wobbly traverse, jungle bars or a rope climb, they have to figure out the best ways to navigate the obstacles. As a result, in finding new ways to approach these challenges, they develop cognitive flexibility and the ability to solve problems. Importantly, these vital skills can then be transferred to other, more academic, challenges.
- Encourages socialisation
EYFS children still have a lot to learn when it comes to social skills and many of them lack the confidence to join in with others. One of the benefits of climbing frames is that they provide an excellent opportunity for children to socialise with their peers. Most climbing frames are designed for several children to use at the same time, and this enables them to play together on the frame. This helps the less confident to get involved and helps everyone learn to communicate, share and cooperate with each other. In response, children are able to build social bonds, develop positive relationships and increase their social confidence.
- Develops spatial awareness
Climbing frames require EYFS children to navigate three-dimensional space. As they climb, jump, swing and make their way from one element to another, they learn to judge distances and heights while developing a better sense of space and depth perception. As a result, playing regularly on climbing equipment can be a key way for them to develop their spatial awareness.
- Builds resilience
Resilience is a vital life skill that helps us to pick ourselves up after negative experiences and get our lives back on track. However, it is not a skill that can be taught in the classroom, it has to be learnt through experiencing failure.
Climbing frames provide an excellent opportunity for children to develop resilience as they present challenges that they will occasionally fail at. For example, they might not be able to make it all the way across a traversing wall or they may fall off a balance beam. As young children encounter these obstacles and face these challenges, after a failure, they will eventually get back on the climbing frame and have another go. In doing so, they will learn to overcome adversity and build resilience – not just in the playground, but in life in general.
- Encourages risk-taking
Life is full of risks and one of our most important skills is being able to judge whether or not to take them. A climbing frame is helpful here as it offers children a safe environment in which to take risks and explore their boundaries. As they attempt to climb higher or try more difficult challenges, they become better at calculating risk and develop a better understanding of their capabilities. Again, this skill can be transferred to other situations in life, helping them to make better decisions.
Conclusion
Climbing frames provide EYFS children with a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop. While providers can sometimes be reticent about putting climbing frames in their playgrounds, there are age-appropriate climbing frames specifically designed for very young children. These offer a safe and fun environment to play and explore, with low-height obstacles, sturdy construction and soft landing areas.
To see our range of early years climbing frames, visit our Climbing Equipment & Climbing Frames page.
