"Some folks are natural
born kickers. They can always find a way to turn disaster into butter." Katherine
Paterson
TIME FOR A DAISY CHAIN AUDIT?
Children's charities in the United Kingdom are calling on every council and
school in Britain to carry out a "daisy chain audit" to uncover the
true extent of bans and restrictions on chlidren's play. The Children's Society
and the Children's Play Council are concerned about a growing culture of caution
in parks and playgrounds. The two charities have also found that traditional childhood
games, ranging from daisy-chain making to handstands and yo-yos, have been stopped.
For the 15th annual National Playday, which will bring together 100,000 children
and adults at events across the UK, the two charities are asking play providers
to look again at what is being offered in schools and parks. The "daisy chain
audit" should look at whether children in that facility can make daisy chains,
ride skateboards and bicycles, play with yo-yos and take part in other childhood
play.
Children's Play Council director Tim Gild said, "Children should be free
to take a chance on play. This is why both charities want local authorities and
schools to have a close and honest look at what is on offer for children. We are
not pointing the finger of blame for a growing culture of caution at any one group,
but individuals and organizations have an important role in making play exciting."
For additional information of this campaign, visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk
or www.playday.org.uk.
For more ideas on children's play, check out several Beginnings Workshop features
on play in the "Exchange Bookstore" at www.ChildCareExchange.com.
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