Teeter Totter & Seesaws

Playground Seesaws and Teeter Totters: A Journey of Ups and Downs

Seesaws and teeter totters have long been cherished features in playgrounds, captivating children with their rhythmic motion and cooperative play. These classic play structures not only bring joy and laughter but also contribute to the development of various physical and social skills. In this guide, we will explore seesaws and teeter totters, discussing the different types available, examining their installation considerations, and highlighting the numerous benefits they offer to children's overall growth and well-being.

Types of Seesaws and Teeter Totters:

Seesaws and teeter totters come in a variety of designs, catering to different age groups and playground settings. Let's take a closer look at some of the common types:

1. Traditional Seesaws: Traditional seesaws feature a long, narrow beam pivoting on a central fulcrum. Children sit facing each other on opposite ends and use their legs to propel the seesaw up and down. This classic design promotes cooperation, communication, and teamwork as children coordinate their movements to maintain balance and achieve an enjoyable bouncing motion.





2. Spring-Mounted Seesaws: Spring-mounted seesaws incorporate a spring mechanism beneath each seat, providing an added element of excitement and bounce. These seesaws allow children to enjoy a dynamic up-and-down motion without requiring a partner to balance the weight. Spring-mounted seesaws are often designed with multiple seats, accommodating more children and encouraging social interaction and turn-taking.





3. Rotating Teeter Totters: Rotating teeter totters introduce a spinning element to the traditional seesaw design. Along with the up-and-down motion, these teeter totters allow children to rotate around the central axis, adding a thrilling and dynamic dimension to the play experience. Rotating teeter totters enhance balance, coordination, and spatial awareness as children adapt their movements to the changing orientation.





4. Accessible Seesaws: Accessible seesaws are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that children of all abilities can enjoy the thrill of seesaw play. These seesaws feature wider and more stable seating platforms, accommodating wheelchairs or providing extra space for children with limited mobility. Accessible seesaws promote social inclusion and create opportunities for children to play together regardless of their physical abilities.

Installation Considerations:

When installing seesaws and teeter totters in a playground, several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure safety, durability, and optimal play value:

1. Safety: Safety is of utmost importance in playground equipment. Seesaws and teeter totters should be securely anchored to the ground to prevent tipping or excessive movement during play. The area around the seesaw should have an impact-absorbing surface, such as rubber mulch or synthetic turf, to cushion any falls. Additionally, the seesaw should be positioned away from other play structures or obstacles to provide a safe clearance zone.
2. Age Appropriateness: Seesaws and teeter totters should be designed with age-appropriate specifications to ensure the safety and enjoyment of children. Factors such as seat height, seat size, and weight capacity should align with the target age group. Lower, wider seats are suitable for younger children, while taller seats with hand grips cater to older children. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and local regulations when determining the appropriate size and weight limits for each type of seesaw.
3. Material Selection: Seesaws and teeter totters are typically constructed using durable materials such as metal or sturdy plastic. The chosen materials should be weather-resistant, able to withstand outdoor conditions, and require minimal maintenance. Metal seesaws should be coated with a protective layer to prevent rust, while plastic seesaws should be made from high-quality, UV-stabilized materials to resist fading and cracking.
4. Ground Preparation: Proper ground preparation is essential to ensure a stable and level surface for the installation of seesaws and teeter totters. The ground should be cleared of any debris or vegetation, and the soil should be compacted to provide a solid foundation. Additionally, installing a layer of impact-absorbing surfacing, such as engineered wood fiber or rubber tiles, around the seesaw area can further enhance safety and minimize the risk of injuries from falls.

Benefits of Seesaws and Teeter Totters:

Seesaws and teeter totters offer a wide range of physical, cognitive, and social benefits to children, making them an integral part of any playground:

1. Physical Development: The act of balancing and controlling the seesaw's movement engages core muscles, leg muscles, and improves overall body strength. This play activity helps children develop their gross motor skills, coordination, and proprioceptive senses.
2. Balance and Coordination: Seesaws and teeter totters challenge children's balance and coordination as they adjust their body movements to maintain equilibrium. The rhythmic motion requires children to synchronize their actions, enhancing their motor planning and bilateral coordination skills.
3. Spatial Awareness: Playing on seesaws and teeter totters requires children to be aware of their body position and the movements of their partner. This heightened spatial awareness contributes to their sense of body control, spatial orientation, and helps develop a better understanding of cause and effect relationships.
4. Social Interaction: Seesaws and teeter totters foster social interaction and cooperation among children. They encourage communication, negotiation, and turn-taking skills as children work together to create a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone involved. This cooperative play promotes teamwork, empathy, and the development of social bonds.
5. Sensory Stimulation: Seesaws and teeter totters provide sensory stimulation as children experience the rhythmic motion and changes in their body position. This sensory input contributes to the development of the vestibular system, which is responsible for spatial awareness, balance, and sensory integration.

In conclusion, seesaws and teeter totters are timeless playground features that offer children a range of physical, cognitive, and social benefits. Whether it's the classic design of a traditional seesaw, the dynamic motion of a rotating teeter totter, or the inclusive nature of accessible seesaws, these play structures provide endless opportunities for children to learn, grow, and have fun. By carefully considering installation considerations and ensuring proper safety measures, playgrounds can provide children with a memorable and enjoyable seesaw experience that promotes their overall development and well-being. So, let the laughter and excitement of seesaw play fill the air as children embark on a journey of ups and downs in the playground.