Research Articles
Most of the articles posted on this page are published in academic journals, many of which require a subscription. If you cannot access an article that you are interested in reading we encourage you to either purchase it or check with your local library to see if they have access to it. In the meantime, please enjoy the information that we have provided.
Annotated Bibliography on Children and Nature
Today the Children and Nature Network and the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication released a fantastic new resource on children and nature. This annotated bibliography documents the evidence supporting the effect of outdoor experiences on children and the benefits that arise from these experiences. At over 50 pages long, you are certain to find many great articles to read.
Family Guide for Getting Active!
This page contains a useful set of links to help families get active! Information is sorted by family, parents and kids, and also includes information about US-based sports organizations.
Play, Play and Play Some More: Let Children Be the Animals They Have the Right to Be
A blog posting that links the study of play behavior in animals with what human children need.
Presentation: The Importance of Play and Playfulness in Working with Traumatised Children and Adolescents
In this presentation, Peter Blake discusses the importance of understanding the emotional significance of the origins of play, and how this understanding is useful in the emotional assessment and therapeutic interactions with traumatized children and adolescents. Building on the work of Winnicott, there will be a discussion as to why being able to play and being in a state of playfulness is necessary in maintaining a personal sense of self. This presentation was recorded at the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) in March 2009 at New South Wales, Australia.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Report Stresses Play for Healthy Development
A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says free and unstructured play is healthy and - in fact - essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them manage stress and become resilient. The report, "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds," is written in defense of play and in response to forces threatening free play and unscheduled time. These forces include changes in family structure, the increasingly competitive college admissions process, and federal education policies that have led to reduced recess and physical education in many schools.
Active Living Research - Syntheses, Summaries and Briefs
This online repository of summaries from existing literature on active living is updated periodically.
Blog post: how play can build resilience in adults
Steve Beseke discusses how play is crucial to our lives, our health, our liveliness, our resilience and innovation and so much more. He also provides several characteristics of play.
All Work and No Play Makes for a Dull Museum Visitor
Drawing from a constructivist view of learning and play research, the author explores the potential of play in the unique setting of museums to enhance adults' creative thinking and generate opportunities for new learning.
Apply for the 2013/14 RWJF Roadmaps to Health Prize - May 23 - The RWJF Roadmaps to Health Prize honors outstanding community partnerships that are helping people live healthier lives. Throughout the country, people are coming together with a shared vision, strong leadership, and commitment to making needed and lasting changes that are enabling individuals to live long and healthy lives. The invitation to apply for this prize is being extended to all U.S. communities working toward better health. RWJF is now accepting applications for the 2013-14 Prize. Up to six RWJF Roadmaps to Health Prize winning communities will be honored in 2014 and each will receive a no-strings-attached $25,000 cash prize.
Children Learning with Nature Conference 2013 - May 29 to June 1 - The Children Learning with Nature Conference 2013 is a gathering of leading voices from around the world coming together to share and exchange ideas about creating spaces and places for children that are full of joy and wonder. It’s about creating great environments whether in urban settings with tiny outdoor spaces, or large rural open spaces, as well as everything in between. Beyond environments there will be great emphasis about teaching methodologies and practices.
24th EFC Annual General Assembly and Conference - May 30 to June 1 - As part of the EFC conference, LEGO Foundation has asked: What's it like to grow up in a mega city looking from a child's perspective? How would a 10-year-old architect plan a future city? These are some of the questions that the LEGO Foundation has asked a group of third-graders from Amager Fælled School, and from May 30th to June 1st the students will join us at the annual EFC Conference. This and more will be discussed at the conference that will cover sustainable cities.
National Trails Day - June 1 - American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® is the country's largest celebration of trails. Mark your 2013 calendar for June 1 to make sure you don't miss out on the thousands of NTD activites happening all over the country.