We recognize that the social skills that children develop on the playground often become lifelong skill sets that are carried forward into their adulthood. Research concludes that playgrounds are among the most important environments for children outside the home. Most forms of play are essential for healthy development, but free, spontaneous play—the kind that occurs on playgrounds, is the most beneficial type of play.
Exciting, engaging and challenging playground equipment is important to keep children happy while developing their agility, coordination and learning abilities. These should be developed in order to suit different groups of children at different stages of learning, such as providing specialized playground equipment for nursery & pre-school children teaching them basic numeracy & vocabulary, to building a child's creativity and imagination with role play panels or puzzles. Research suggests that the health benefits of physical activity in children are predominantly evident in the prevention of risk factors for disease, avoidance of unhealthy weight gain, acquisition of peak bone mass and mental well-being. Studies suggest that children who participate in physical activity improve their self-esteem. It has been found that exercise programmes have a significant positive effects on children's self-worth. It can be said that playgrounds provide an ideal opportunity for children to master physical skills, such as learning to swing, balancing and climbing. Personal development may be gained through the enhancement of skills, such as playing, communicating and cooperating with other children and adults in the playground. |
Evidence suggests that children who participate in physical activity improve their self-esteem and has found that exercise programmes have significant positive effect on children's self-worth. Playgrounds provide an ideal opportunity for children to master physical skills, such as learning to swing, balancing and climbing. Personal development may be gained through the enhancement of skills, such as playing, communicating and cooperating with other children and adults in the playground.
To commemorate IODE Ontario’s 100th Anniversary in 2020, and in collaboration with all IODE Ontario Primary Chapters, Project Fun was launched. At the 2018 Provincial Annual Meeting, it was announced that a much needed playground equipment was being donated, in the name of Ontario IODE members, to the Good Shepherd Family Centre, a 24-hour temporary emergency shelter for abused and homeless women and children in Hamilton. The committee felt that Hamilton where IODE Ontario was founded in 1920 was the appropriate beneficiary of the 100th Anniversary Special Project.
To commemorate IODE Ontario’s 100th Anniversary in 2020, and in collaboration with all IODE Ontario Primary Chapters, Project Fun was launched. At the 2018 Provincial Annual Meeting, it was announced that a much needed playground equipment was being donated, in the name of Ontario IODE members, to the Good Shepherd Family Centre, a 24-hour temporary emergency shelter for abused and homeless women and children in Hamilton. The committee felt that Hamilton where IODE Ontario was founded in 1920 was the appropriate beneficiary of the 100th Anniversary Special Project.
With the success of Project Fun and the continued support from individuals and the Ontario IODE chapters, Phase Two of the 100th Anniversary Project, identified as Play it Forward was announced at the 2019 Provincial Annual Meeting. With the successful support from individuals and the Ontario chapters Phase Two was announced at the 2019 Provincial Annual Meeting which was and identified as Play it Forward.
We know that today, many kids have electronic equipment or at least have access to them, making physical activity that much more important. Sports and on-going physical activities can provide many benefits for children and adolescence. Keeping children fit and healthy by encouraging good old fashion fun is good for the mind, body and spirit.
Communities in remote Northern Ontario are in need of play and sports equipment such as ball hockey, soccer and basketball gear as well as other playground amenities. Recognizing the physical and health benefits of play and that today’s youth are the future stewards of their land – IODE Ontario’s Play it Forward Project is focused in helping equip children with the tools and resources needed to enjoy their youth, be active and develop a further sense of community through play and sportsmanship.
The eight schools who participated in Play it Forward Project received their sports equipment Fall of 2021 and late Winter 2022.
We know that today, many kids have electronic equipment or at least have access to them, making physical activity that much more important. Sports and on-going physical activities can provide many benefits for children and adolescence. Keeping children fit and healthy by encouraging good old fashion fun is good for the mind, body and spirit.
Communities in remote Northern Ontario are in need of play and sports equipment such as ball hockey, soccer and basketball gear as well as other playground amenities. Recognizing the physical and health benefits of play and that today’s youth are the future stewards of their land – IODE Ontario’s Play it Forward Project is focused in helping equip children with the tools and resources needed to enjoy their youth, be active and develop a further sense of community through play and sportsmanship.
The eight schools who participated in Play it Forward Project received their sports equipment Fall of 2021 and late Winter 2022.