The Value in Vertical Play

May 2, 2022

The Benefits of Vertical Play for Kids

Children naturally gravitate towards playing on a table or floor but switching things up and encouraging play on a vertical surface helps build a whole different set of muscles and unlocks new life skills. Check it out!

Build Up Kids Strength

Vertical play often conveniently happens when kids are standing which is a great way to support their gross motor skills development, promote good posture and neck positioning, as well as build core strength in their little tummies.

Vertical play benefits for kids build core strength and flexibility

Promotes Kids Flexibility

Playing on vertical surfaces can also promote mobility in kids arms and shoulders, placing objects high enough so kids have to reach to grab is a great way to children to stretch and also give them a chance to practice their balancing, another gross motor skill.

Vertical Play can improve flexibility and arm mobility in children

Coordination Development in Children

Bilateral coordination and midline crossing are technical terms describing activities where an arm or leg crosses over the center line of the body to the opposite side, which in turn connects both sides of the brain. Vertical play encourages children to complete tasks on opposing sides of their body.

We humans use these midline crossing activities to perform everyday tasks like dressing, eating, and reading!

developing bilateral coordination in kids

Pre-writing Skills Practice for Kids

Vertical play puts the wrist in a natural pencil grasp position, thus strengthening the muscles kids will eventually need when learning how to write. Plus it can also improve dexterity as well as fine motor control.

pre writing skills can be developed through vertical play

Here are 10 Easy Vertical Play Ideas you Can Do at Home!

Playing Catch, Simon Says, Dance Party, Tape Rescue, Climbing, Yoga, Tug of War, Balance Board, Obstacle Courses, and playing with the tinyFEATs felt board and Felt Alphabet Letters!

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