How did the importance of play develop? Play used to be seen as wasteful and frivolous. Plato and Aristotle found that play was important in the education of children. Furthermore, Locke, Rousseau, Deway, Montessori and others reinforced that play should be an integral part to educational programs. The National Recreation Association in the 1900's developed guidelines for certain equipment for playgrounds

6. provide ambiguity to stimulate fantasy play, loose parts for creative and cognitive play, clear accomplishment points to reinforce development of self concept

4. successful playgrounds do not just depend on the play structures themselves, but also the organization and landscaping of the entire site

9. use a variety of climbing situations and places above the ground so that the children can choose the challenge and excitement they are ready for

1. traditional type: Traditional type: slides, swings, see saws, etc. identifiable to children, but does not provide for cognitive and social play

1. children need different play opportunities to complete their social, intellectual, and physical needs.

Some topics in this essay:
Recreation Association, Arnold Research, Deway Montessori, Plato Aristotle, traditional type, children create own, play leaders, play 3, create own, benefits play, creative play, traditional playground, cognitive social, children choose, children create,