PlayGroundology

Masterton, New Zealand District Council votes votes 6 to 5 to retain two old pieces of equipment on the playground - a blue tractor and a yellow bulldozer. Health and safety concerns motivated those who voted against.

It's sad when children are in environments that lead to this kind of behaviour modeling as they try to make sense of the world around them.

When I first heard about Monash, Australia and saw some photos a few years back, I thought that this was a place that kids around the world would love to go to. It seems there was adventure at every turn. This Daily Mail story includes video of a gigantic slide. It made me think of Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey, California - http://bit.ly/2D9dPIE

There have been a lot of great online learning events over the past several months. Here's one not to miss. Our friends across the pond are revving up for a FREE online event on November 20 to learn, play, discuss and connect in celebration of the 31st anniversary of the UNCRC's article 31 on the Child's Right to Play. Details here - https://bit.ly/3e3kwLL

Backyard boogaloo - let the build begin....

Thanks to LEGO Foundation - LEGO much more than building blocks.

Sat in on a great workshop yesterday with Rusty Keeler - Adventures in Risky Play. Love the slowmo video of his son hopping from apple crate to apple crate, immersed in the adventure and having fun. More on the book here - https://rustykeeler.com/product/adventures-in-risky-play/d

Nearly 40 years after this photo was published in a community newspaper in Toronto, child care is still a significant issue in much of Canada, a challenge for families and for children. That's me in the beard with Tosha on my shoulder. For a brief period I worked at a co-op daycare along with 3 women and 2 other men. I still remember the joys and frustrations of caring for those children and of course how much I learned from them.

Gumnut Playground just north of Melbourne, Australia. The large pods on top of the towers depict gumnuts a sometimes snack for koalas. The large gumnuts are reminiscent of the Pod Playground in Canberra. Thanks to Mum's Grapevine for the pic.

Play the Beat....

Great story about artists, art and play. They are such a powerful and beautiful mix. What kind of art and play combinations are happening in your community?

Let’s go London Play brilliant idea! How can I go about getting a deck of these cards over in Canada? Cheers

So it turns out that eating a pound, or 454g of dirt is a good thing for kids. Read on....

In Halifax, Nova Scotia tomorrow is voting day for our municipal government. Curious about what the candidates think about issues affecting kids? Check this popular PlayGroundology post - https://bit.ly/2T3ENr7 - that looks at the results of the HRM 4 Kids Children and the City questionnaire sent to all candidates.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia we have our local government election on October 17. This is the story of the HRM 4 Kids Children and the City questionnaire that was sent to all candidates asking them about children's well-being in the city.

Just out today - Results from Children and the City Questionnaire completed by candidates in the upcoming Halifax municipal election. Also a link to a story providing an overview of the results published in today's digital edition of The Chronicle Herald

Thanks to all the candidates running for a Council seat in #halifax2020. Your participation in the All Candidates Questionnaire on Children and the City is greatly appreciated. Check here to get a perspective on response rates. Thanks again to all who participated - https://bit.ly/2GJ0FVB

A wonderful documentary from The Guardian, consistent supporters of children's rights.Kids from across the UK let loose with glorious exuberance in sometimes harsh urban environments. Pick up fun, favourite games and friendships fuel giddy adventures. Thanks to Tim at Rethinking Childhood for sending this out on the twitterverse.