The Great Outdoors: Restoring Children's Right to Play Outside

Intended for all who are responsible for children in the primary grades, this booklet notes the necessity of play for children's physical, social, and cognitive development, and the increasingly limited opportunities available to children for outdoor play. The booklet makes the case to teachers, administrators, and park and recreation planners to improve outdoor recreation and "kidspace" with children in mind. Chapters in the booklet are: (1) "Vanishing Habitats and Access"; (2) "Considerations in Designing Play Areas"; (3) "Great School Grounds"; (4) "Safety Outdoors"; (5) "Peaceful Playgrounds"; (6) "Broader Community Efforts"; and (7) "Restoring the Birthright." Five appendices include a list of useful books, information sources and checklists on playground safety, guidelines for playground accessibility, IPA (International Association for Child's Right to Play) and the Declaration of the Child's Right to Play, and organization resources on the environment. Contains over 100 references. (HTH)… (more)