Motor Skills
Motor skills refer to the development of motor control, precision, and accuracy in the performance of both fundamental and more complex movements.
personal goals
A recent survey asked young people across the U.S., ages 10 to 24, to rate the importance of 14 personal goals. These included classic teenage desires such as “being popular” and “having fun.” The No. 1 answer was “to be safe.” Read more
planning winter activities
Winter can be a challenging season for many communities. Winter can also be a time of vibrant community engagement and activity. Here are some best practices for winter cities to consider when planning winter activities. Read more
Self-regulation
Self-regulation enables children to avoid meltdowns, follow rules, control their physical impulses, and demonstrate respect for others. While improving children's self-regulation skills is a common goal among parents, many don’t really know where to begin. Read more
Nature Everywhere Conference
The Nature Everywhere Conference (May 13-16) brings together cross-sector leaders to advance programs, practices and policies for increasing equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play. Read more
Magical Bridge
“It’s beyond accessible. It’s beyond compliant with ADA laws. What Mountain View has done by selecting a Magical Bridge in this community is to say that everyone is welcome, all ages, all abilities.” Read more
empathic toward nature
A recent study found that children who are more empathic toward nature have more positive attitudes about behaviors that protect the environment. Read more
Gun Play
Children have fantasized about triumphing over evil for years. Fighting the "bad guys" seems to be an inherent desire, especially for boys, who use gun play as a means to feel empowered. Whether children are playing cowboys and Indians, cops and robbers, pirates, soldiers, or spies, play guns are usually involved as they engage in pretend play.
educational priorities replaced recess
Recess began in the 17th century when an English schoolmaster introduced breaks for schoolchildren. By the 20th century, it became a staple in US schools. By the 1980s and 90s, however, shifting educational priorities replaced recess with increased schoolification. Read more
kids love adventure books
Reading plays a crucial role in fostering curiosity and creativity. A new study shows that kids love to read adventure books, and their parents see them as a great way to get them outdoors. Read more
