Play has always been an essential tool in a child’s development and is a vital key to learning new skills. Play is also the gateway to help children connect to the world around them. Therapists help children develop skills in a fun and engaging environment. At AIM Therapy for Children, one of our newest and already well-loved pieces of therapeutic equipment is The Compact Monkey Bars by Growplay.

Growplay frames have been produced by industrial-grade designers, who offer four different ranges of monkey bars catering to the space available: the Classic, The Compact, the Adventurer, and the Explorer. Growplay’s monkey bars come with height-adjustable components, are rust-protected and are free-standing—ideal for both indoor and outdoor arrangements. AIM Therapy has chosen the Compact Monkey Bars as it efficiently packs a large range of movement equipment into a 3m x 2m surface area, ideal for a medium-sized therapy room.

Growplay’s frames include both fixed equipment and adjustable parts, with the option of additional accessories. The Compact Monkey Bars include monkey bars, gymnastic rings, trapeze, monkey rings, rock climb, rope ladder, cargo net and a net swing. Additional accessories include ropes, ladder extensions, flying fox, cubby swings, netball ring, boxing bags, gymnastic bars, cubby houses and much, much more!

As therapists who see children with a large range of developmental needs, the different skills the Growplay equipment is used to target include (but are not limited to):

• Hand strength
• Grip strength
• Hand-eye coordination
• Bilateral coordination (the movement of both hands together which requires the integration and processing of both hemispheres of the brain)
• Postural and core strength
• Upper body strength
• Motor planning (the body’s ability to understand, plan and complete a task with refined control)
• Sequencing
• Proprioception (the body’s ability to determine where it is in space)
• Problem-solving
• Sensory modulation (the ability to respond appropriately to sensory input and remain at an appropriate level of alertness)
• Self-regulation (the ability to maintain appropriate attention and arousal levels to engage within the environment)
• Confidence
• Emotional regulation

There are countless ways that AIM Therapy integrates The Compact Monkey Bars into therapy sessions to target the needs of a child, while being fun and creative at the same time!

Here are 5 creative ways to use the Compact Monkey Bars:

1. Obstacle course
   • Kids love obstacle courses! An obstacle course at the beginning of a therapy session can support the child to feel more regulated and engaged for the duration of the session. The child can plan the order that they will go through the equipment (e.g. 1. Monkey bars, 2. Trapeze, 3. Net swing, 4. Rope ladder).
   • During this task, motor planning, sequencing, and problem solving skills can be developed through the planning of the obstacle course. Completing the course works on children’s hand strength, grip strength, bilateral coordination, upper body strength, postural strength, and core strength. Sensory modulation is also provided through movement and touch, which helps children feel regulated and increases their attention and concentration skills.
2. Role play and pretend play
   • The benefits of role playing include improved creativity, stronger problem-solving skills, and development of theory of mind (the ability to take on another person’s perspective).
   • Some fun role play ideas:
     • Pirates: Pretend they’re on a pirate ship. Climb nets to fix sails, climb to the crow’s nest, swing between ships, and walk the plank using pillows and blankets.
       • Create a treasure hunt with hidden clues and tasks, such as climbing sideways across a rope net or swinging across a "river."
     • Jungle: Be different animals crossing the jungle—fly with blankets, swing like monkeys, crawl like tigers or crocodiles.
     • Re-enacting kids' books is another great pretend play activity!
   • These activities build gross motor skills such as bilateral coordination, hand strength, hand-eye coordination, and body awareness.
3. The floor is lava
   • Children play a game where they must not touch the floor, or must move when a cue is given ("The floor is lava!").
   • Mix with music to create a version of Musical Statues, moving to safe spots when the music stops.
   • This game helps build body awareness, spatial awareness, gross motor skills, and working memory.
4. Scavenger hunts
   • With blu-tack, tape, and paper, you can create:
     • Letter Hunt: Spell out a word by finding hidden letters around the equipment.
       • Focus on body awareness by placing letters in challenging spots.
       • Or focus on handwriting by giving long words and building sentences.
     • Bingo: Themed picture cards to color or mark off while locating matches—supports visual perception skills.
5. Decathlon
   • Challenge children with a 10-event circuit based on time, speed, or reps. Examples include:
     • Longest hold on monkey bars
     • Quickest to climb rope nets 10 times
     • Most monkey bars swung in 1 minute
     • Fastest lap around the frame
     • Longest trapeze launch
     • Fastest bean bag throws while swinging
     • One chin-up
     • Fastest circuit without touching the ground
     • Most ladder reps in 2 minutes
     • Longest incline plank hold

As you can see, there are infinite ways a climbing frame can be used. These activities work great on Growplay’s frames, but can also be done at playgrounds, parks or even at home using everyday furniture.

Explore, experiment, and follow your child’s lead in play—you’ll be amazed by their creativity! Use their ideas as a springboard to build on their skills and gently challenge them further. When the game feels like their idea, engagement skyrockets!

Good luck and, more importantly, have fun!

Author: Senior Occupational Therapist, AIM Therapy for Children