Summary
The report touts the necessity of free play, blaming its recent decline on a "hurried lifestyle, changes in family structure, and increased attention to academics and enrichment activities at the expense of recess or free child-centered play." In a study presented by the American Heart Association, researchers found that children and teens are now spending an average of 40 hours a week of screen time, or time with electronic media. Playgrounds named a Playful City in 2008, park and recreation staff members try to incorporate free playtime into most structured activities, handing out balls, jump ropes, and equipment to children to play with as they see fit.
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The Play Predicament
While 4-year-old Clare O'Herron's ideal day would consist of ballet class and then a trip to the playground, where she would pretend to be Marie from "The Nutcracker," her 3-year-old sister Mickie prefers to explore the park and go "really high" on the swings and "really fast" on the slides. Though both girls take advantage of the playground in different ways, they also enjoy their free playtime.
"Kids need to learn to entertain t...See the full content of this document
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