US Play Coalition

Certified Interpretive Trainers Course in Charlotte, NC

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The National Association of Interpreters (NAI) is hosting a Certified Interpretive Trainers (CIT) course at the Reedy Creek Nature Center in Charlotte, NC. Completing this course will help interpreters demonstrate they have skills and knowledge to perform effectively. The course is open to any interested individuals, but is of particular interest to those working in nature centers, museums, zoos, living history sites, etc.

Literature review: A world without play

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Available now online, a comprehensive literature review on the possibility of "A world without play." Produced by Play England and the British Toy and Hobby Association, the review examines the importance of play opportunities to healthy child development and the modern barriers to these critical experiences. The evidence is mounting and the time to act is now - go PLAY!

Conference on the Value of Play: Multi-Generational Actions and Strategies

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Get ready for three full days of outstanding speakers, play experiences, and opportunities to meet play researchers and workers from around the world. This is the most diverse group of attendees and presenters on the Value of Play collected in one place at one time. Come be a part of this exciting opportunity! You can even receive CEU�s free of charge while you are expanding your knowledge and networks. Take a look at our detailed schedule on our website and start to imagine yourself here with us.

26th International Council for Children's Play (ICCP) World Play Conference

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The 26th ICCP World Play Conference will be held in Tallinn, Estonia on the 18 and 19 June 2012, organised in co-operation with Tallinn University and the Estonian Union for Child Welfare. Children need time and space to play as part of their everyday lives. 'Play' is provided and organised in many different forms, from educational activities for pre-school children to childcare services for school-aged children; from playwork settings to youth services; from outdoor play to play in the virtual environment for children of all ages; from sports and leisure activities for young children and teenagers; and many, many more. This conference will explore what can be learnt from research about the provision of play by adults in the light of the widely-held view of children's need for undirected time and space in their lives from a practical, philosophical and historical perspective.

US Play Coalition guest blogs for Playworks

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

We were honored to receive an invitation to write a guest blog on the Conference on the Value of Play for Playworks. And we will be even more excited to host them here at the Conference in FOUR days!

Meet the Honorary Chair of the 2012 Conference on the Value of Play!

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Click here to learn more about Dr. Joe Frost, our conference Honorary Chair.

"Play Unplugged" initiative kickoff in Largo Central Park

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"Play Unplugged" is designed to help parents, caregivers and local service providers address the barriers and fears impeding children's free play. The initiative kicks off with an event March 10 at Largo Central Park. With the help of Pop Up Adventure Play, a New York-based play advocacy organization, the park will be filled with hands-on-games, discovery stations and a plethora of recycled materials including old refrigerator boxes, pieces of old fabric and scraps of wood and paper. Organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, will be conducting tree climbing lessons. Along with the large event on March 10, the following Monday, McMahon will hold a "train the trainer'' day for caregivers from day care centers throughout Pinellas County. The program will provide more discussion on free play.

Inclusive playgrounds in Oneida City Park, TN

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

An inspiring short story about one mom's dream to garner support for a handicap accessible playground in her area. She was inspired by the joy she witnessed in a child who was swinging for the first time - the child was wheelchair bound and in a full-body support swing. Can you imagine your own childhood without the pleasure of reaching for the sky on your personal chariot?

Online registration now available for the 2012 Conference on the Value of Play!

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Act quickly to reserve your space at the 2012 Conference on the Value of Play: Multi-Generational Actions and Strategies, to be held at Clemson University between February 26-29, 2012.

In India, when exams keep students from playing

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Despite a warning from doctors that too little physical activity and too little time spent de-stressing outdoors is detrimental to students' mental health, some parents are continuing to push their children to perform. This story is all too familiar.

Get out and PLAY

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A great summary piece on the importance of play. Author Tim Hauserman reflects on his own childhood spent exploring the woods and imagining up stories and games before transitioning to an examination of how play has been pushed aside by organized sports and over-scheduling of activities. Hauserman quotes numerous sources to explain the detriments of this trend and the benefits of play. We particularly appreciate his quote, "And if we want to keep our brains developing throughout life, we can�t leave all the fun to the youngsters, adults should hit the woods and do a little playing themselves" - he, like the US Play Coalition, believes in play for all ages!