The Value of Play, Playgrounds and Parks During the Pandemic
December 10, 2021
3 Reasons to Make Playing Together a Priority This Year
January 13, 2022One of the most crucial life skills young children can naturally develop is inclusion and acceptance of others. According to the 2020 Voice of Play Survey, play truly can be the “great equalizer” that helps bring together children of different races, backgrounds, and abilities. Additionally, 9 out of 10 parents believe free play with other kids on the playground can help cultivate their child’s perspective on equality for all.
Regardless of race, religion, ability, or ethnicity, the playground is a super fun environment that fosters meaningful life skills for all. It’s a place where families of all backgrounds can come together to experience something that’s important and necessary to all children’s development: play. Playgrounds nationwide serve as more than just a place for outdoor fun; they also offer a resource for behavioral, educational, and cognitive growth. At the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and our Voice of Play initiative, we hope to help continue to spark conversations about play-based accessibility and inclusion–and we know that parents and caregivers have very important roles, too!
Photo: Unsplash
Next time you head to your local playground with your little one, look for experiences to help them understand the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Visit Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds
The first step is to make sure your children have the opportunity to play with others of varying backgrounds and abilities by visiting inclusive and accessible playgrounds. Truly inclusive playgrounds–ones that include accessible routes of travel, ramps and transfer points, protective and accessible surfacing, shade, seating, and play elements that offer varying levels of challenge both elevated and on the ground-level–allow children to interact with others outside of their circle.
Fortunately, accessible and inclusive (which are not one in the same) playgrounds are becoming more and more common. Keep an eye out for playgrounds that offer wide accessible pathways between play areas allowing flow back and forth easily on foot or by wheelchair–side by side. There should also be a variety of play structures to suit children’s unique needs; for example, while some may prefer large, open areas, others may prefer tighter, smaller spaces.
While there are many aspects to consider when looking for an inclusive and accessible playground, it’s important to look for playgrounds that are truly inclusive–not just accessible. A playground that seamlessly incorporates accessible play structures with other features in the play space are ones that are going to give your kids the opportunity to meet, interact with and learn from children with other backgrounds and abilities to hone their concept of inclusivity and equality.
2. Encourage Playground Play with All Kids
In the 2020 Voice of Play Survey, 92 percent of parents agreed that playground play helps children learn to be inclusive of others who have different abilities and backgrounds than their own. Play encourages our children to naturally get along with others of different races, religions, and abilities. Play helps children begin to understand the importance of inclusivity and equality for all.
Encourage your child to be inclusive of others from an early age. Inclusive playgrounds are designed to prevent children from being excluded from the activity. As a parent or caregiver, keep a watchful eye on activity on the playground. Talk to your child about opportunities to invite someone to play in a group and to always give others a chance to share their feelings to help them experience feelings of empathy. These are simple gestures that can go a long way in creating lifelong skills and relationships, regardless of physical, cognitive or social differences.
3. Be a Playground Role Model
It’s true what they say–kids are sponges. For better or for worse, they soak up everything around them, including behaviors, words, and language–especially from their parents and loved ones. Just like the game follow the leader, your children look up to your example. The playground is a perfect place to show your compassion towards others in a playful way.
The playground is a place where other parents and caregivers gather to watch their children play, so it’s only natural that social relationships can blossom between adults on the playground as well. Be mindful of the people you surround yourself with and how you talk about others. Be compassionate, understanding, and empathetic to others in your conversations with your children.
Also, whenever possible, be sure to surround yourself with diverse groups of adults who offer different perspectives and experiences that are unique to your own. The benefit here is two-fold. Not only will this give you the opportunity to broaden your own perspective, but you will also “normalize” this behavior for your child.
Public and school playgrounds play a vital role in fostering meaningful relationships, inclusivity and play equity for kids of all ages. Taking the time to visit accessible and inclusive playgrounds, encouraging your children to look for opportunities to be kind on the playground and leading by example are all great ways to use the playground as a perfect place to help children understand diversity, equity and inclusion. Playgrounds can be more than just an outlet for fun–they can be one of the best tools to teach inclusivity and playing together as one.
