Outdoor learning provides memorably relevant learning and authentic, contextualised opportunities to extend classroom-based education. This research draws on empirical data from surveys involving teachers in primary schools in England in 1995 and 2017 (n=61 and n=40 respectively). The evidence illustrates that schools are continuing to use their…

In Germany, all-day care and all-day schooling are currently increasing on a large-scale. The extended time children spend in educational institutions could potentially result in limited access to nature experience for children. On the other hand, it could equally create opportunities for informal nature experience if school playgrounds have a…

During the last decades, educational contexts have transformed into complex technological and social ecologies, with mobile devices expanding the scope of education beyond the traditional classroom, creating so-called Ubiquitous Learning Environments (ULEs). However, these new technological opportunities entail an additional burden for teachers,…

Shady Oak Christian School serves children ages two and a half through second grade and in the summer provides programs for preschoolers through fifth grade. The school has an amazing home-like environment with a super go-getting director, Joyce Trigger. In this article, the author presents an interview with Joyce Trigger about her playscape and…

This article describes a playground design that is a physical education experience center divided into a developmental area, a creative area, and an all-weather area. (PD)

A new graph transfer method will enable schools to increase the use of recreational surfaces by color coating them with maps of the United States, the world, and whimsical animal game designs. (Author/MLF)

The playground designed for a new school in Lander (Wyoming) is strategically placed to help control the rush from the buses to the school door. (Author)

Review of the literature on issues concerning playground design and children's needs. (MP)

Since a more imaginative playground landscape induces more children to participate in play activities, increased safety precautions must be taken by school and recreational personnel. (LH)

Examined playground use of six- to 12-year-olds with behavior problems. Found that play structures encouraged solitary motor activity and that social play concentrated in areas without equipment. Children with better social skills played in more playground areas than aggressive or withdrawn children. Negative moods were related to playing in…

Describes how to properly plan and equip playgrounds. (Author/MLF)

To reduce playground accidents, schools should (1) audit their playgrounds for compliance with current safety guidelines; (2) employ a risk manager; (3) develop a safety curriculum; and (4) put more emphasis on teaching basic movement competence to students. (MLF)

Rates of problem behavior at urban elementary school playgrounds are of growing concern. The purpose of this study was to examine how the implementation of a recess intervention within the context of School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SwPBS), a systemwide, team-driven, data-based decision-making continuum of support, affected disruptive…

Students in grades three to four can collect, analyze, and represent data in order to determine which piece of playground equipment appears most popular. Students in grades five to six can investigate the geometry of playground structures using measurement and scale models. Lesson plans and reproducible worksheets are included. (CMS)

Discusses four factors central to the American playground movement: backlash reaction to cognitive emphasis in early childhood education, influence of European play environments, increasing awareness of deficiencies in traditional American playgrounds, and accumulation of experience with new types of playgrounds. Cites research related to each of…