Physical play is a type of play that allows your child to use his large muscles and exercise his whole body.
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Age Range
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Type of Equipment
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Physical Play and Development Potential
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9 months-8 Years
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Swing
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A swing gives your child much pleasure as he enjoys rhythmic movements. As he learns to co-ordinate his movements he builds
up strength in his legs and upper body as well as the ability to balance. Baby swings are available which prevent children from falling out.
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18 months-8 Years
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Slide |
It helps your child to learn and climb and builds up his confidence in balancing. He enjoys the sense of risk-taking and
challenge as he climbs. Different heights of slide are available, ranging from two steps upwards.
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1-8 Years
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Sit-and-ride toys
Tricycles
Go-karts
Bicycles
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These are versatile and popular with children. They can make moving around part of their games and can play co-operatively
together. Many skills are developed, including the ability to judge speed, steer and pedal. Leg muscles are strengthened
and general co-ordination is developed. The range of equipment means that very young children can enjoy feeling mobile.
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2-6 Years
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Play tunnels
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Play tunnels can be used by your child as a place to hide when playing with friends as part of a game. It can also be used as
part of an obstacle course and can often link into other pieces of equipment such as tents. Your child develops co-ordination
between the arms and legs and general agility.
Be aware that your child may become frightened and may get stuck so your supervision and encouragement is vitally important.
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3-8 Years
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Trampolines
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Bouncing allows your child to develop his sense of balance while giving him a sense of achievement. Jumping and bouncing
strengthens leg muscles and builds stamina.
Some trampolines have handles, which means that your child from three years can use safely under your supervision.
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3-8 Years
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See-saws
Rockers
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Children enjoy working in pairs and enjoy the sensation of moving from side to side and up and down. Balance and co-ordination
skills are improved. Rockers can be suitable for your 18 months old child. See-saws is generally good for your child between
three and eight years.
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3-8 Years
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Climbing frame
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Co-ordination and balance skills are developed through climbing. His leg and arm muscles are strengthened and he enjoys the
challenge and the feeling of adventure.
There are a variety of styles of climbing frames available.
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From 4-8 Years
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Rope ladders and ropes
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Children enjoy learning to climb up ladders. This helps their sense of balance and co-ordination. Ropes can be used to swing
on which strengthens arm muscles.
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See Also...
