Safe and Peaceful Playgrounds Melinda Bossenmeyer, Bossenmeyer, Ed.D., Www.peacefulplaygrounds .com Www.peacefulplaygrounds.com 909-244-0911 mbossen@ mbossen@csusm. csusm.edu
OBJECTIVES Participants will: l Acquire skills to improve the playground l Acquire design tips l Establish rules and
play
procedures for safe
AGENDA . l How to create a peaceful playground l Design tips
Most injuries Occur in Play structure Area: l Swings l Monkey Bars l Slides l Climbers
Falls =Serious Injuries Falls to the Surface are the #1 Contributing factor to playground injuries
Proper surfacing examples Wood Chips Sand Poured surfacing Pea Gravel
CREED 1) Conflict Resolution 2) Rules 3) Equipment 4) Expectations 5) Designs
Conflict Resolution 3 Ways to Solve Problems 1. Walk 2. Talk 3. Use Rock, Paper, Scissors Game
Rules l GAME Rules l Consistent Rules l Game of the Week/Day l PP Rules Fast Entry and Exit l Post Rules
Rules l Safety Guidelines l Safe Use of Equipment l Playground Rules l Playground Procedures
Rule l Tattling - Getting someone into
trouble
l Telling- Getting someone out of
trouble.
Playground Rules l Don’ Don’t run, push,shove or fight near
equipment
l Walk around moving swings l Sit properly on equipment l Use ladder/ don’ don’t climb up slides l Take turns using equipment l Nothing but head and hands above bars
Procedures Freeze at the bell Wait for the whistle Walk equipment and place in ball cart Walk back to class.
Safety Rules l Walk Around Moving Swings l Nothing but head and hands above
bar
l Travel in one direction on play
structures
Adult Rules l Supervision
People Make the Difference on Playgrounds Improper supervision accounts for 40% of accidents Supervisors need training. Children require rules and procedures for safe play.
Rule- NEVER leave area unsupervised. l
Send child for assistance.
Supervision
Supervision Should be: ACTIVE & Effective
Equipment
1/10 Rule No bats or hockey sticks. Establish a tricycle track!
Equipment l
l
Check-out System l
Sign out sheet
l
You checkout, Your responsible
No Bats or Hocket Sticks at recess
Equipment Structures l Maintain and repair equipment l Maintain surfacing under equipment l Install age appropriate equipment 2-5
or 5-12
l Inspect Regularly l Keep free from visible hazards
Expectations Monitor behavior •Communicate universal expectations Rules Procedures •Reward Appropriate Behavior Coupons Certificates •School-wide Implementation
Expectations l Awards
Designing Developmentally Appropriate Designs l Enhance motor development l Enhance Cognitive Development l Enhance play preferences
Designs Add 100 new games and activities Grass and Blacktop Areas KDG K-3 Playground 3-6 Playground Field Designs Maximize Space Minimize Injuries
Motor Development Designs l Hopping, Skipping, Galloping l Hopscotch l Balance Beam
Cognitive Games l Alphabet track l Number Grid
Maximize Space Minimize Injuries Pre/School Kdg Primary (K-3) Upper Grades (4-6) Field Designs
Multi-Use Circles Number games
Shape Games
Group Games
Painting the Playground l Stripper’ Stripper’s Paint
Designs l Developmentally Appropriate Designs l Enhance motor development l Enhance cognitive development l Enhance social interaction l Enhance play preferences l Cooperative and competitative games
Designs l Most children pick alternative activity
rather than wait in line.
l “Lines are accidents waiting to happen.” happen.” l More choices, fewer problems and
increased engagement in game activities l Peaceful Playgrounds 2000
How to Get Results! l Comprehensive Approach to Playground l 5 Components
“CREED” CREED”
1) Conflict Resolution 2) Rules 3) Equipment 4) Expectations 5) Designs
Everything I learned in Life: I learned on the Playground
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Play by the rules. BEHAVE or you'll not get to play. Dress appropriately. Keep track of your stuff. BE POLITE.
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Take turns. SHARE. Make friends. Tolerate DIFFERENCES of others.
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Consider the FEELINGS of others. Give everyone a CHANCE. Get along. Be humble.
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REMEMBER. Cheaters never really win. WINNERS never cheat.
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Don't tear up the equipment. Put stuff back where you found it.
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Show SPORTSMANSHIP. Shake hands. Practice to get better at everything.
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Know the score. NEVER GIVE UP! TRY YOUR BEST ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS!
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