PLAYbynature

Surprise surprise! 8 hours/day at the office/school is not what makes kids happy! There are important lessons in this for teachers heading back to school. Can we protect our health and safety by staying outside and letting the children play for at least a good part of the day? Can we extend their play experiences into math and literacy? Can we allow ourselves to relax with them? Taking education out of the time-pressured goal-oriented school day is not the worst thing in the world.

Kids Continued to Cope Well Two Months After Schools Closed Two large surveys, a month apart, revealed family benefits of school closures.

Now really, is this sooo hard??? Why can't the City of Toronto come up with one site for this kind of experiment, which is not really an experiment? We have many proven models for staffed adventure playgrounds. Is the provision of a few play-workers so very expensive? Modest fees for birthday parties and school visits could be charged. After 100 POP UP Adventure playgrounds in the GTHA, we have more than demonstrated the feasibility and the potential success of these places. They provide so many health and social benefits; they support equity and pro-social development. It really is a no-brainer. Makes me want to run for office on this one single platform...only think what we spent on the Raptors celebration in police protection...

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of Lester's Yard.

Children and young people in the Isle of Man are set to experience exciting new play and learning opportunities in Douglas thanks to a partnership between Douglas Borough Council and local charity Isle of Play that has seen the creation of Lester’s Yard adventure playground in Ballaughton Park.

The park is dedicated to children's play encouraging activities such as building dens, growing/cooking food and working with tools.

Visit the Isle of Play website for more information and opening hours.

https://www.isleofplay.im/adventure-playground/

Our brains need the body to move!

How monkey bars help your child's brain  Give children the time to walk themselves, let them help you carry the groceries, slow down and let them move.

Acknowledging Land Building a movement in which every child has the right to meaningful outdoor experiences that invite them to play, learn, and explore their place in nature every day.

Imagine what benefits could be derived from a daily outdoor teaching practice? - for children and teacher!

An hour or two of outdoor learning every week increases teachers' job satisfaction A study has revealed how as little as an hour a week of outdoor learning has tremendous benefits for children and also boosts teachers' job satisfaction.

https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2019/06/27/after-viral-video-city-halts-long-standing-practice-of-taking-basketball-rims-down-at-public-courts.html

Finally! It would appear that Parks and Recreation is remembering what it is all about! Re: my picture above which is on my street. One neighbour complained about it until her daughter wanted to come over and play. We keep a basketball on the front porch for any kid to come and get. Usually they bring their own, but the invitation is always there. The construction noise around us all day is deafening. We can endure the laughter of children and families in the evenings!

I hope this Raptors victory brings more recreational opportunities for kids across the entire city. I would like to see MLSE commit serious funding to it, through the City and through the school boards.

Basketball city! Staff will stop taking down rims nightly at some parks and the TDSB will keep its nets up | The Star The practice of taking the rims down nightly over noise complaints is reactionary and will stop, city spokesperson Brad Ross said Thursday.