Outdoor musical instruments let children enjoy the magic of music outdoors. They have the ability to encourage development across many areas and enhance play experiences, whether educational or just for fun.
Here are five significant benefits of integrating musical instruments into your school’s outdoor learning and play setting.
In the words of Plato: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” So, as the life-bringer to everything, it’s easy to see how music can benefit children at a young age.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, music is seen as a core component of learning, falling under the Expressive Arts and Design area.
Interacting with music and musical instruments, whether indoor or outdoor, helps children explore, communicate and respond to experiences through singing, body percussion and simple instruments.
Outdoor musical instruments are an excellent way for children to gain confidence and self-assurance. The growth of a child’s self-confidence is directly related to the development of social and interpersonal abilities.
In the playground, a child’s innate creativity and curiosity are allowed to flourish. A musical area can give them a space to express themselves socially as well as musically, encouraging others to play alongside them and boosting their confidence.
That’s why our musical playground equipment, in the form of our musical play panels, are integrated into many of our playground towers, such as the Freestyle Plus, Blissford Plus and Melbourne Plus.
Making music can be a collaborative experience that supports social and emotional development. Whether they are playing Drums, Cow Bells, Boom Tubes or Xylo-Chimes, children will learn to encourage one another and work toward the same shared goal of rhythm and melody.
Our outdoor musical instruments have enough space for numerous players to collaborate and make music together, with the possibility of two instruments per unit assisting in the creation of the best playground band!
Music is not only beneficial to the soul; it is also beneficial to the body. Outdoor musical instruments stimulate children’s senses – such as sight, sound and touch – supporting a wider range of sensory play equipment, such as our tactile Play Panels or Sand and Water Play equipment.
Creating music also supports muscle movement, encouraging full-body movement as they dance, drum, and groove to the beats that they create.
Plus, playing outdoor musical instruments with beaters promotes fine motor skill development and boosts hand-eye coordination, as children learn which element of the instrument to strike to create sound.
One of the best aspects of playground musical instruments is that they can be used by everyone, regardless of ability level. It’s important to provide all children with the opportunity to cooperate and have fun together, regardless of their needs or abilities.
Children can enjoy making music at the playground anytime they feel like it because musical playground equipment doesn’t demand a specific skill level or age restriction.
Our musical outdoor equipment can also be used by children with special mobility needs, making them a brilliant addition to inclusive playground designs.
The versatility of outdoor musical playground equipment also ensures it’s a worthy investment for schools and public playgrounds alike.
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Outdoor musical instruments can stimulate all developmental areas, enhancing children’s educational play and inspiring creativity.
The experience of playing music for an audience – whether it be a single person or an entire class – can spark a child’s imagination, turning the playground into a stage where they can rock to their heart’s content.
Robust, vibrant and always fun, children can enjoy our range of playground musical instruments during playtime or lesson time!
If you’re thinking about introducing some educational and fun elements into your playground, download a copy of our virtual ‘Playground Inspiration for Schools and Nurseries’ catalogue for plenty of playground inspiration.
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