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

Discusses aspects of the play environment and its effect on children's play behavior. Indoor and outdoor play spaces are considered along with factors affecting the use of outdoor environments for play. Children's preferences for different outdoor play environments and for various play structures are explored. Guides for choosing play equipment…

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board has issued guidelines to serve as the basis for enforceable standards to be adopted by the Department of Justice for new construction and alterations of play areas covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The guidelines include scoping and technical provisions for ground level…

A CD-ROM provides a tour of some of the world's greatest play environments, presenting 94 photographic images that illustrate the key concepts and recommendations from Play For All guidelines. It is organized into 10 categories covering a range of play area settings, including play equipment, sand settings, water settings, play props, and animal…

Describes a railroad caboose that is the favorite piece of playground equipment at Cunningham Elementary School in Denver, Colorado, and a caboose at the Mount Vernon Elmentary School in Alexandria, Virginia, that was used by the city's public library and which will serve as an instructional and educational center for 1,000 pupils. (Author)

Fourth and fifth graders designed a Space Platform for their playground in an art and math correlation project. (DR)

Lists 21 films and two filmstrips available on infant development, exceptional children, and play areas. (AJ)

This article presents many ideas on recycling instructional materials and turning junk and discards into useful classroom and playground materials at little or no cost. (SJL)

Creative noncompetitive games are described. (JD)

Parents can take an active role in preventing children's injuries by educating themselves about playground safety. The article suggests that parents make a playground safety check; be sure the equipment is suitable for the age group in question; supervise appropriately; and know each child's capabilities. (SM)

Models an art lesson for first- and second-grade students on the work of Andy Goldsworthy, who uses only natural objects in his sculptures. Asks students to create sculptures using only stones found on the playground. Describes student reactions to the activity. (DSK)

Describes how one Montessori school transformed its outdoor environment. Details six segments of the new environment: hill, labyrinth, swings, world map, balance beam, and woods. Notes that the changes have resulted in a place of true discovery of physical strength, balance, patience, and sharing, as well as a place to discover the worlds of…

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