7 ELEMENTS OF THE GAME AND HOW THEY IMPACT LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM ELEMENT # 3: BRAQUIACIÓN

by Deborah Stevens-Smith Biography and Jami Murdock Biography

Children's play is often interpreted as a frivolous activity, a time to release inhibitions and break the monotony of sitting senseless in the classroom. Although the concept of the game has been questioned, examined and sometimes eliminated from the curriculum to encourage more academic activities, the value derived from the game is undeniable.

Adult and child, young and old, it does not matter ... we all PLAY

The incredible adventures in the playground that most adults enjoyed have disappeared from the modern courtyards of today. Many of today's playgrounds have equipment closer to the ground, made of cheap painted plastic which often needs repair. These changes in the safety and materials of the playground have led to a new line of products and designs that encourage new gaming activities. However, new designs tend to limit some very important developmental skills fostered by past playgrounds.wow items

In our third article in the series, we focus on the brachial element. Brachiation happens when a child crosses the bars; unfortunately, there are not many playgrounds left with equipment for the development of this critical element!While the most modern playground designs focus on safety, what is still needed is an activity where children can raise their arms to emulate this activity while their feet are close to the ground. The vital component in braking is the alternate pattern, not the fact that the child is suspended in the air.

BRAQUIATION: 
The definition of brachiation is to move by swinging using only the arms from one grip to the other above the head.

BENEFITS IN THE PLAYGROUND:

1. Brachiation strengthens the upper part of the body and develops the grip strength.
2. It also increases resistance, flexibility and eye-hand coordination.
3. It helps develop kinesthetic awareness, which allows a child to know where his body is in space. Many structures in the body have nerve receptors that act as information conduits that are sent to the brain. For example, the ear sends explicit information to the brain regarding the orientation of the head in terms of gravity, acceleration, deceleration and direction of movement. The brain also receives information from the eyes, muscles, ligaments, joints, etc., that are required to allow your body to move smoothly, stay balanced, maintain posture, and react to the immediate environment.
4. Children establish a rhythmic movement of the body as they move from one bar to another.
5. Thick and fine motor skills are also improved as large and small muscle movements occur.
6. The perception of depth improves; While the child jumps and hangs from the bar, he must decide whether to let go and fall on his feet or scream for help!

BENEFITS IN THE CLASSROOM:

1. Brachiation stimulates both sides of the brain for greater integration and learning.
2. The improvement in hand-eye coordination that arises from braking helps the child to read, write and solve problems.
3. Brachiation helps develop fine motor skills, which are required to color, cut, write, paint and the strength of the upper body necessary to sit with the correct posture.
4. The development of kinesthetic awareness helps children understand their personal space and move around without stumbling over things.
5. Learning braking in turn helps develop communication skills since children must coordinate, learn to take turns and resolve conflicts.