Playground Safety Week–April 20-24

20 Apr Playground Safety Week–April 20-24

The school year is finally winding down. For teachers, that means a much-needed break is drawing near for you as well as your students. The end of the year often garners rewards for the kids, like extra playground time. For parents, once school has released for summer, many trips to local parks and playgrounds will likely be made with energy-filled kiddos.Really though, who doesn’t love playgrounds?

Fresh air, friends, exercise. Playgrounds are a growing experience for children emotionally, mentally, and physically. Since they are a place of fun and games, we often forget the crucial safety tips for keeping harm far away from our kiddies. Each year, more than 200,000 children are treated in hospital ERs for playground-related injuries.

In honor of sunshine, blue skies and National Playground Safety week, we thought we’d remind you a few safety tips before your big summer adventures.

For Parents:

We know that the playground is often a time for you to relax without the constant, “Mom!” or “Dad!” ringing in your ears. While we totally support you reading that novel while your children play, don’t become too immersed in literature. (And really, you will still hear your name followed by “watch me!”)

• Actively supervise the kids.
• Check the playground for hazards before your children play.
• Dress properly. Remove any necklaces, scarves, or other objects that could pose a strangulation risk.
• Teach your kids the importance of playing safe. No pushing, shoving, or horseplay that could cause harm.
• Be sure they are playing on age-appropriate equipment.
• Avoid playgrounds that do not have impact-absorbing surfaces. Recommended surfaces include sand, pea gravel, wood chips, mulch, shredded rubber, rubber mats, synthetic turf and other artificial materials.
• Always play at a well-maintained playground.

For Teachers:

We all know the kids favorite parts of school: lunch and recess. They are obviously the most fun. With so many children on one playground, teachers have to be extra careful when going out to play.

• Always actively supervise the children. Also, have more than one teacher on recess duty.
• Survey the playground before the kids go outside. Remove any potential hazards.
• Be alert at all times. Although we hate it, bullying does happen on the playground.
• Teach your class about the importance of safe play.
• Create playground guidelines like, “Make sure I can see my teacher at all times” or “Only one person on the slide at a time”.

Have fun on the playground this spring and summer! Check out this playground report card to make sure your play area is up to par. If you have any more questions, please contact us at 662-282-4949.