One of the wonderful things about touch is that the more we have a touch sensation that is associated with something in particular the more opportunities we have to describe the world around us and understand why things are appealing for different situations and not for others.
The more points of recognition and understanding we have for any given item the more opportunity we have to utilize it. Regardless if that use is what it was originally intended for or if that use is something completely new.
For example, but touching a rock we better understand what "solid" or "hard" means. By playing with rocks we better understand that some rocks are harder than others. Some rocks will begin to crumble in our hands or when hit on another rock, and we feel that sensation.
Now all of the sudden we have a better understanding of why some rocks like granite, are better suited for structural use in construction than something like limestone that is best only used for aesthetics.
That is just one example. There is something extremely powerful about the touch experience with those two types of rocks. It makes the fact real and tangible. It is that way with any tactile experience.
Taking all of this on step farther, we look at tactile experience and how it relates to imagination.
There are an abundance of studies that prove the importance of a child's ability to use their imagination and it's correlation with their ability to cope, problem solve, and be successful. There is no disputing that the better a child's ability to use their imagination, the better all of the previously mentioned skills are.
On of the key factors with a child's ability to use their imagination is their understanding via tactile experience. When they have the tactile experience of knowing what different rocks feel like, how sand responds in their hands as they dig and build, and how a plank of wood feels after being warmed by the sunlight... Experiences like they would have playing on and around wooden playsets... All of the sudden they have the ability to immerse themselves into experiences in their imagination that are complete.
They can create a safe place to process their thoughts. They understand what it's like to stand in the sunlight and look at a shadow vs what it's like to stand in the shadow and look at the sunlight. They can give those sensations emotional correspondence. It's a deep, full, and complete experience.
Now consider that a child that has experienced all of those things grows up and finds themselves in a situation where they are building something. That something must be build with a keen knowledge of items that will make the structure strong enough to hold human weight, and not give way to the elements. The structure will need to take into account how it conducts or holds heat and cold.
Now think about how much easier it is for that child to use their imagination and develop what they need to solve their problem because they have all of the tactile experience that they have gained through play when they were young and continued tactile curiosity as they've grown.
Think about what it would be like to have to use your imagination to build something but you only have the theoretical ideas of what it is supposed to be, not the solid understanding of tactile experience. How is your imagination limited? You will be more likely to find frustration simply because your vault of available information and possible solutions is less.
So giving a child ample opportunity to play outside and develop their tactile experiences can help them develop imagination skills that will help them through their entire life. They may never put together the ideas that it was because they spent hours playing in the sun that they understand the importance of it to wellbeing and happiness. But they will know it nonetheless.
Give your children every opportunity to develop that. One great way is by providing a safe and stimulating play environment in your own yard. Many parent include high quality wooden playsets in their yard as part of their child's safe play environment.
Playsets often become great sources of inspiration, skill development mentally and physically, and a great place to burn off energy.
You can always check out some of the top playset dealers and manufacturers in the united states by visiting out site www.glicksplaysets.com . We have a great collection companies to help you find just the right system for your family.
