Contributed by JC BoushhResearch by Dr. Antonio Convit may link academic performance with child obesity. In a recent article in the Huffington Post he shared his findings on the possible negative effects of childhood obesity. Dr. Convit began his research studying childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, and soon began to see a possible correlation with obesity and cognitive learning. He used several research methods to test children’s performance…

by JC BoushhArchitect Gerald Reifert, who specializes in school design, writes in the Daily Journal of Commerce that early childhood outdoor environments need several key design elements. They need areas to test their limits, areas that create comfort, areas for developing competency, and areas for learning self-control, and exposure to nature. Each one of these design elements plays an optimal role in creating not only a great outdoor play envi…

Contributed by JC Boushh
A 2009 study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University researchers published in Pediatrics links recess with better behavior and increases in student’s ability to learn. The study looked at approximately 11,000 third grade boy and girl students, who were enrolled in the National Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. What researchers found was that children who had more than 15 minutes a day of unstructure…

Contributed by JC BoushhA recent article in Newsweek magazine blamed the decline of children's creativity on two likely factors. The numbers of hour’s kids now spend watching TV and playing video games and the lack of creativity development in our schools. The most optimal outdoor learning environment not only incorporates developmentally appropriate playground equipment, natural landscape features for exploration, but also the novelty and c…

A new report released by the Centers for Disease Control indicates that lack of parks and places to play is effecting children, their weight and contributing to childhood obesity crisis.

The report called the State Indicator Report on Physical Activity 2010 points out that about 1 in 5 children have a park within a half mile from their home. Teens face a similiar obstacle to exercise as fewer than 1 in 5 have daily physical education in their h…

1. Healthy Schools Campaign
2. theherocc
3. YTherapySource
4. balmeras
5. OCPlayParks
6. HSBS_PLAY
7. inmotionSK
8. SPARK_PROGRAMS
9. hmhalff
10. ChildrenNature
11. playequalspeace
12. SchoolLunch
13. SajaiFoundation
14. activekidsclub
15. AskMrPlayground

Did you like the video? Go to Activekidsclub.com for tips and tools to create your own outdoor playgroup where you live. Be inspired to get you and your kids to go out and play!

Follow them on twitter: http://twitter.com/activekidsclub

Groups ask First Lady to consider an "outdoor component" in her childhood obesity fight.
Excerpt from the letter below:


Dear Mrs. Obama:

On behalf of our tens of millions of members and supporters, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your commitment to combating childhood obesity. We applaud your childhood obesity initiative for promoting improvements in school lunches, access to healthy foods, physical activity and nutriti…

Who knew that principals thought recess was so important? In fact, according to a research report entitled, "The State of Play", released yesterday, an overwhelming majority of principals (96%) conclude that recess has a positive impact on social development and (97%) of principals believe that recess has a positive impact on general well-being. But that's not all, 80% of them said recess has a positive impact on academic achiev…

11 Steps to a Successful Playgrounds - Monty Christiansen, CPSI

If you are building, maintaining or strive to keep all kids safe on a playground then you will find the 11 steps to a successful Playground helpful.

1. Strive to purchase equipment with high "play value"
2. Make sure your playground meets appropriate play standards
3. Have your equipment installed by a qualified installer.
4. Install and maintain sufficient safety surfacing
…

With mounting lawsuits and tight budgets recess is again on the chopping block at some districts despite evidence of its importance.

Free play or free form play is a type of play that we support here at Peaceful Playgrounds. People often misinterpret the organization that we provide with our many game markings and choices as "structuring" recess and incorrectly assume that we recommend that schools require participation in one of our…

A new Northwestern University study suggests that American parents should ease up on antibacterial soap and perhaps allow their little ones a romp or two in the mud --- or at least a much better acquaintance with everyday germs.

The research suggests that inflammatory systems may need a higher level of exposure to common everyday bacteria and microbes to guide their development. "In other words, inflammatory networks may need the same type o…

Children & Nature resources
Compiled by:
Amy Pertschuk
Managing Director
Children & Nature Network
avery@hookedonnature.org.


Links To Families & Nature Resources

Children & Nature Network
www.childrenandnature.org

Hooked on Nature
www.hookedonnature.org

Nature Circles
www.naturecircles.org

Nature Rocks
www.naturerocks.org

Passport to Adventure—REI
www.rei.com/passport

Green Spoken Here—ACA
www.campparents.org/nature

NWF's Green Hour
www.greenhou…

Play England has released a new report called, "Play for Change." It is a review of play, policy and practice in England. Play for a change, by Stuart Lester and Wendy Russell of the University of Gloucestershire, is published in three formats: a 270-page full research report, a 60-page summary, and a 4-page introductory briefing paper.

A copy of the report can be downloaded for free from the Play England website.

Interested in more inf…

Toys, Play and Young Children Action Guide is now available and FREE for downloading.

This new guide is just in time for Christmas and give you pointers for choosing "Toys of Value" and "Toys and Toy Trending to Avoid." The guide also includes ideas for creating a Shoe Box Gift around different themes and suggestions for what you might include in the shoe box.

According to their website, "TRUCE is a national group of ed…

October 19-23rd

HSBS will hold its inaugural Take It Outside! week on October 19 through 23 encouraging Head Start programs across the nation to get outside, connect with the natural world, and increase physical activity. HSBS will provide programs with ideas to celebrate Take It Outside! week including activity ideas, tips for facilitating play, and suggestions for enhancing the environment. Information is available in both English and Spanish. …

I bet you're thinking the healthcare bill is strictly about insurance coverage. According to Jeffrey Levi director of America's Trust, you would be wrong. “This isn’t just about health insurance,’’ he said. “This bill is about creating a healthier country through building paths, playgrounds, and parks."

These proposed additions have been characterized as part of a broad effort to improve the nation’s health “infrastructure’’ - and …

An article in USA Today points out that parents should, "look to their past in tough economic times for inspiration when looking for activities for their children," says Carol Torgan, a health scientist with the American College of Sports Medicine. She suggests the parents ask themselves: "What are some of my favorite memories of childhood?"

For video playing kids, toys of yesteryear like hula hoops, jump ropes and hopscotch m…