The Magruder Environmental Therapy Complex -- an adaptive playground for preschool physically disabled children with perceptual deficits. (Author)

The research focuses on the inappropriate, largely aggressive, behaviors of 344 K-2 children assigned to a playground prior to the beginning of the school day. It was found that games, rope jumping, and foot racing, along with an infrequently used time-out procedure, significantly reduced the frequency of inappropriate incidents. (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)

The article stresses the importance of play and playgrounds for children's social, physical, and psychological development. It presents data from a national survey of the status and design of play equipment at elementary schools, suggests ways of making equipment safer, and offers basic principles of play center design. (CB)

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 Children with better social skills played in more playground areas than aggressive or withdrawn children.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…

By carefully planning for outdoor play, adults can help ensure that outdoor experiences are challenging and safe for young children. Creative outdoor play should encourage healthy risk taking; offer graduated challenges; include variety in types of play; focus on child-centered and child-planned activities; and include the use of moveable…

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

This booklet presents several ideas for using old tires as equipment in both indoor and outdoor learning settings for young children. (JMB)

This publication is designed to assist elementary school teachers in the construction and use of improvised physical education equipment. The equipment described is accompanied by activities in which it can be used. Since workers, materials, and construction knowledge are essential for the creation of this equipment, teachers should try to involve…

Author describes the procedure used for designing a place out-of-doors where opportunities for learning abound. (Author/CB)

Interviews with 174 11-year olds in London schools determined that playtime was very popular, but concerns were expressed about bad weather, not knowing what to do, and disruptive behavior. Unacceptable playground behavior was taken too much for granted. Football seemed to dominate other activities. (SK)

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)