Toys are great for entertainment. But, this doesn’t mean they can’t be educational or challenging. This is where Montessori toys come into play. Montessori toys can help children develop their skills, such as motor, coordination, and balance skills. You’ve probably heard of a Pikler triangle. But aside from this, a balance beam is one of the best and simplest toys you can get your child.
In this article, you will learn more about these balance beams. Find out how the benefits they have to offer to your kid besides improving balance. Discover how one can make your kid’s entertainment both fun and creative!
Why is Balance Important?
Balance is the ability to keep control of a specific body position while performing a given task. It helps children build and improve their physical performance and endurance. With good balance, it’s less likely for your kid to get injured and they will develop better posture.
Not only that, balance is said to help children develop better language, reading, and writing skills. That’s why it’s also considered an important stepping stone to a child’s development.
What is a Balance Beam?
A balance beam is a long wooden, raised platform or toy that kids can walk on. It sits close to the ground so it can challenge your kid’s sense of balance without compromising their safety when playing and using it. It’s a fantastic tool that can help children develop their balance, coordination, and overall physical activities.
9 Benefits of Using Balance Beams for Kids
Here are the main reasons why balance beams would be a great addition to your child’s play space:
1. Improves Balance
With balance, your kid can control the position of their body whether they’re stationary or moving. Aside from walking, your kid needs to be able to do this and practice their balance skills as they grow up. It will later on help them learn more things, like riding a bike or skating on ice.
The narrow and elevated surface of the beam is perfect for toddlers and kids to walk on to practice and improve their balance. As they walk along it, they’ll eventually learn how to control their movements and keep balance. The more they use it and the more they practice, the better they’ll get.
2. Develops Coordination
Coordination is the ability to use different body parts in harmony and efficiently when doing something. It’s a basic skill that’s needed every day, especially when participating in sports and other activities. The beam can help your child build this skill at their own pace and in their own space at home. This will also help them understand their surroundings spatially.
When they walk on beams, your kid will have to learn how to carefully coordinate their movements and keep their balance while doing so. This will be a challenging yet fun and rewarding activity for them. By regularly practicing on the beam, your kid can improve their overall coordination.
3. Allows Children to Socialize
Playing is one of the best times for kids to socialize with other children. Take note that as your baby grows, social play becomes more important. Playing together allows children to learn teamwork and develop social skills. Using the beam, they can take turns and play together, encouraging them to socialize with each other. With this, it would be easier for your child to socialize as they grow older.
4. Helps With Proprioception
Proprioception refers to your perception of your own body. It also involves the ability to sense how you move in a certain space. Simply put, this is an essential sense to be able to stand upright, walk and move, and go around with daily tasks. Playing on and using the beam will offer a safe space for your child to work on and improve this sense.
5. Encourages Imaginative Play
Aside from socializing, playing on the beam encourages imaginative play with children. They can create their own games and challenges when playing. This can engage and improve their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Plus, pretend play also helps them develop their social skills and cognitive abilities.
6. Helps Prevent Flat Feet
Balance beams can help prevent flat feet in toddlers and children. Flat feet are when your feet are flatter on the bottom. This causes the entire sole to touch the floor when standing.
When your child walks along the narrow surface of the beam, they’ll have to balance on the arch of their feet. This strengthens the muscles and tendons in the feet. In effect, it helps keep them healthy and can prevent flat feet from happening.
7. Builds Strength
Walking on a beam can engage your kid’s leg muscles and improve their overall strength over time. Kids use core muscles when maintaining their balance on the beam. So, as they continue to play on the beam, they can strengthen their core. This will be beneficial as they grow—it can help them develop good posture and more.
8. Teaches Concentration
Playing on the beams can help children enhance their concentration skills. Walking along it requires them to concentrate on their movements, coordination, and balance. With regular practice, this can improve their focus and concentration for longer periods of time.
9. Develops and Boosts Confidence
Playing on the beam and developing different skills can give your kid a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. In effect, this may result in a boost of their confidence. They will also learn to trust themselves and their capabilities. This will help them feel more confident in their ability to face other challenges and do other things.
Conclusion
Balance beams are some of the best toys to give your child while growing up. They will help them develop all the necessary motor and critical thinking skills they’ll need as they grow up. The beams can even help them socialize and make friends with other children.
If you want to check out some products, you can visit our balance beam collection. We offer high-quality beams and other Montessori materials that you can gift your child for educational and engaging play sessions.