Many parents and educators are familiar with the term STEM, which is an acronym for “Science,” “Technology,” “Engineering” and “Mathematics.” These concepts are a foundational aspect of learning that helps students succeed across the board. STEM is designed to allow young people to gain real-world knowledge using these principles through hands-on applications and immersive experiences.
Helping Children Embrace STEAM Principles With Playground Experiences
Topics: Outdoor Classroom, Child Development, STEAM
Inclusive and Fun Activities to Celebrate Field Day
As the school year winds down, Field Day is one thing teachers and students look forward to. Field Day is a time-honored tradition in almost every school, and it offers a special opportunity for kids at all grade levels to interact, compete in a friendly environment, and show off their athletic abilities.
Topics: Childhood Unplugged, Child Development
The Impact of Inclusive Play on Kids' Social Skills
Inclusive playgrounds are essential to modern communities, providing opportunities for children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together.
These accessible spaces cater to the unique needs of every child, ensuring that physical, mental, and learning disabilities do not limit their enjoyment and participation.
Topics: Inclusivity, Child Development
It's no secret that play and physical activity are essential ingredients for a child's growth and development. But what if your neighborhood is lacking a space for children to run, climb, and explore?
Topics: Community Parks, Playground Design & Planning, Child Development
Indoor playgrounds are becoming increasingly popular. One reason has to do with climate change. As temperatures soar and the weather becomes more chaotic, indoor playgrounds offer a climate-controlled, predictable environment for kids’ play.
Another reason is safety. Indoor playgrounds offer a controlled, walled-in environment. There’s no chance of a child wandering off on a garden path or setting off alone to follow a chipmunk into the woods.
Topics: Custom Playground, Indoor Playground
Playgrounds should help children understand the world around them and master skills they need to succeed in life. Many playgrounds only focus on physical play, but they should also create opportunities for other types of play.
When designing a playground, it’s important to think about how it will allow children to use their minds and bodies to interact with others and the environment.
Topics: Playground Design & Planning, outdoor learning, Child Development
Outdoor site furniture includes tables, benches, bike racks, bollards, and trash receptacles. We, at May Recreation, believe they’re an essential element for social spaces like parks, playgrounds, and running/bike paths, which create opportunities for interaction and help build a community.
Topics: Community Parks, May Recreation, Playground Design & Planning
Why Should I Add Fitness Equipment to My Park?
It is understood that exercise goes hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle overall. Therefore, one way to get more out of your park investment is to incorporate fitness equipment either designed for adults, kids, or both to use when visiting.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that for overall health or to maintain healthy levels, adults should do between 150 and 300 minutes of physical activity (moderate) weekly along with between 75 and 150 minutes of physical activity (aerobic) in the same time span.
Topics: Play & Fitness, Pediatric Health & Wellness, Mental Health, Child Development
Playground Games to Enhance Child Development
Playgrounds are very popular because they help to enhance child development. Playgrounds as a whole help to encourage children to socialize, exercise, increase their coordination, and use imaginative play.
Topics: Custom Playground, outdoor learning, Child Development
Designing a playground structure can be overwhelming. There are so many types of equipment out there, that you may find yourself wondering what you need on your playground and why.
Topics: Custom Playground, Play & Fitness, Playground Design & Planning, Recess, Child Development