Outdoor education fosters student well-being, development and learning. However, many schools restrict outdoor experience to their own playground, and to times considered recess. This case study, which examined student and teacher perceptions about the outdoor experience on traditional playgrounds, was conducted in an urban school in the Basque…

Take a selection of balls and marbles along to a nearby playground slide and let students investigate factors that may influence how balls accelerate down an inclined plane. Students can make hypotheses in small groups, plan investigations to test multiple possible explanations and draw conclusions about the importance of different variables. The…

The perceptions and beliefs of 303 special education professionals toward currently available playgrounds in their school or community were examined. Survey respondents (a) indicated that their students with a disability could not fully participate in their school or community's playground offerings, (b) discussed the need for a peer buddy program…

In tiered systems, all school faculty and staff ideally recognize student academic, behavioral, and social achievement as a shared responsibility. In an ideal system, faculty and staff collaborate in a data-informed process to define common student expectations to facilitate success. Adults provide clarity for all students by defining expectations…

Participation of children with disabilities in sports and cultural activities, programs, promotes physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Co-curricular activities can make a huge difference in a life of children with special needs. These activities can enhance learning, while offering ways for students to express themselves and explore their…

An important part of the Progressive Education movement, the playground, influenced John Dewey's educational philosophy of learning. "The playground, particularly during the Progressive reform movement of the early 1900s benefited from the widespread belief that play was child's work. Dewey portrayed children as miniature adults who…

For Chicago to be a strong and vibrant city, it needs to invest in communities, families, and children. Access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to be healthy is key for all children to realize their full potential and contribute to a vibrant city. Studies have consistently documented the powerful connection between health and…

Recess is an important part of a comprehensive school physical activity program by providing physical activity to students during the school day, in addition to physical education and classroom physical activity. Unfortunately, recess in the United States is not an expected part of the school day, especially in middle and high schools. High-stakes…

This study assessed recreational facilities for European children 5 to 15 years of age, and discussed the best means of meeting needs. The first chapter reviews the educational aspects of children's play--including physical, social, and creative development--as they pertain to various age groups. The second chapter considers the types of…

Seventy percent of all playground accidents result from falls from equipment onto the underlying surface. This article reviews some types of surfaces commonly found in playgrounds and how each fared under National Bureau of Standards guidelines. (MT)

Guidelines for a safe playground are discussed, beginning with the ages and numbers of users. Separation of equipment and surfacing materials are emphasized. (MT)

Suggests that engaging students in designing and making play spaces for younger children makes meaningful learning fun and instills values of community service. (JOW)

This guide addresses the planning and architectural design of play/learning environments for special needs children. The exceptional children discussed include those with most types of mild to severe handicaps and developmental disabilities. Specifically excluded from consideration are health impairments, severe psycho-emotional difficulties such…

An effective school playground safety program should emphasize preventive measures such as selecting high-quality equipment, providing close activity supervision, and scheduling frequent ground and equipment maintenance. This article provides program planners with practical suggestions for initial thinking about objectives; staff involvement; and…

This book presents guidelines in the design and management of children's landscapes and reveals the importance of plants as a resource for play and child development. It identifies plants by function, i.e., their sensory values, play values, food production, seasonal interest, shade quality, screens against natural barriers, wildlife enhancement,…