The Developmental Benefits Of Playgrounds
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The Developmental Benefits of Playgrounds "Movement is at the very center of young children's lives. It is an important facet of all aspects of their development. . . To deny children the opportunity to reap the many benefits of regular, vigorous physical activity is to deny them the opportunity to experience the joy of efficient movement, the health effects of movement, and a lifetime as confident, competent movers." D. L. Gallahue, 1993.
In publishing The Developmental Benefits of Playgrounds, ACEI is extending the knowledge base about appropriate playground materials, equipment, and use patterns. The initial chapter focuses on the importance of play, with special attention to contemporary research by neuroscientists that reveals, through the aid of high-tech brain imaging techniques, concrete support for the centuries-old contention of noted philosophers and other academicians that play is critical to children's healthy development. This conclusion, seemingly obvious, has yet to be adopted by many who influence children's opportunities and environments for play. Later chapters identify developmental sequences for children's motor behaviors during their play on several types of playground equipment. Chapter 1 sets the stage for placing these sequences in developmental context by reviewing patterns and stages of play behaviors across the age spans: infant, toddler, preschool, and school age. A primary focus throughout the book is considering individual levels of physical, social, and cognitive development, rather than chronological age, when making decisions about children's play and playgrounds. Although not discussed in this book, play also carries profound therapeutic benefits for all children, especially those who are traumatized, abused, and/or stressed. Joe L. Frost, Pei-San Brown, John A. Sutterby, and Candra D. Thornton, 2004. 240 pp. ISBN 0-87173-164-9 No. 1042 $32.50 ($26.00 ACEI members)
The Developmental Benefits Of Playgrounds,Joe L. Frost,Pei-San Brown,John A. Sutterby,Candra D. Thornton,Association for Childhood Education International,0871731649,Architecture,Child development,Developmental - Child,Domestic,General,Playgrounds,Sports & Recreation
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