Who is the Toolkit for School Playgrounds intended for?
The Toolkit for School Playgrounds is intended for professionals in primary education. With the toolkit, you gain insight into the extent to which your school's playground challenges children to be physically active and receive concrete tips to help children move sufficiently, in varied ways and intensively. After all, sufficient, varied and intensive physical activity has a positive effect on children's physical and mental development.
Why is encouraging physical activity essential?
Children who get enough varied physical activity are often fitter and stronger and have better motor skills. These are essential for developing and maintaining an active lifestyle. In addition, more physical activity contributes to positive cognitive and social development. Among other things, this helps children deal with feelings, disappointments and successes. Physical activity also supports healthy brain development and has a positive influence on children's learning ability.
Two components
The Toolkit for School Playgrounds consists of two components. Using the observation framework, you map out the current situation regarding children's physical activity on the school playground. The results of the observation framework can be discussed within the school, for example with teachers, management and other stakeholders. The tip sheet contains ten tips that help encourage children to move sufficiently, in varied ways and intensively on the school playground. This leads to better concentration, a calmer classroom and prevents teachers from spending a great deal of time resolving conflicts.
How to use the Toolkit for School Playgrounds
Use the observation framework from the toolkit to gain insight into the current situation on your school's playground. Learn more about how active the children are, which elements are present, and exchange results with colleagues. You can then use the tips in the tip sheet to encourage children's physical activity.