My fancy padlet by Kaitlyn Pyne

Games: Curriculum, Resources, & Materials for Teachers of School aged Children

kmpyne20 — 2023-12-11 04:04:51 UTC

This is a longer read online. If you click the link, you can click through the pages if you wish to read the whole writing.

This reading supports the integration of games into the curriculum. Research shows that game-based learning is more successful than direct instruction for elementary students. An ideal game-based learning program will allow children both free and directed play in order to maximize learning. Play encourages a child's desire to explore and discover new things, and it helps a child improve his/her focus and concentration. Based off of research, children are more likely to have a favorable attitude toward learning when they are engaged in play. Educators and researchers have discovered that a student's desire and readiness to learn is directly proportional to how engaged they are while learning; A learner is more likely to engage in a learning session if it is enjoyable.

Outdoor Experiences: Curriculum, Resources, & Materials for Teachers of School aged Children

kmpyne20 — 2023-12-11 04:15:59 UTC

Link 1: This reading discusses how outdoor experiences can be the educational context which encourages children to make connections experientially, leading to deeper understanding within and between curriculum areas and meeting learner needs. Outdoor learning/experiences can improve students' mental health and physical well-being (p. 15).

Outdoor Experiences: Curriculum, Resources, & Materials for Teachers of School aged Children

kmpyne20 — 2023-12-11 04:22:52 UTC

Link 2: When students are permitted recess, outdoor experiences, or outdoor learning, they gain more and more opportunities for growing and developing. For example, outdoor play enhances students' leadership skills, creativity skills, and conflict resolution skills. As for emotional development, students must solve and negotiate problems outside since the play is unstructured. Additionally, after students have "rid of their pent-up energy outside," children are expected to be more focused and become better listeners in the classroom. From a physiological standpoint, the typical child's movement during outdoor play gets their blood flowing, which sends increased amounts of oxygen to the brain. Therefore, this promotes nerve cell growth to increase memory capacity and improve attention span.

Maintaining a Safe & Accessible Environment for Elementary Students

kmpyne20 — 2023-12-11 04:30:16 UTC

Inclusive playgrounds that are designed to be physically accessible and welcoming to children with disabilities may provide equal and equitable access to play for all children. This article defines inclusive play as "a space that allows children of all ages and genders, both with and without disabilities, to access the playground and play together." It is important that playgrounds provide opportunities for children to engage in solitary and parallel play. Playgrounds like this have been shown to help children avoid and cope with overstimulation. Children will feel nurtured, encouraged, respected, and active during inclusive playground play, which creates a sense of community and healthier physical/mental well-being among all children. Additionally, inclusive playgrounds help kids develop their agility, speed, strength, balance, and coordination.

Lastly, inclusive playground hosts many sensory play features to promote child development, enhancing cognitive, motor, visual-spatial, social, and auditory skills.