Bring Back Free Play for Children

Student Name: Owen ClearyStudent Number: K00202382

IntroductionContent• Background of the topic• Importance to S & C coach• Research studies in the

area• Some activities that are

used• Conclusion

Background

•What is ‘free play’? Free play is where the

child has to use his/her imagination

There are no rules laid down by parents/coaches

Free Play Increase or Decrease??

•Children play less outdoors & indoors!!

Why? Neigbourhood Safety

Road safety ‘Stranger Danger’

Change of attitude In both parents and children Lack of information for

parents Poor playing areas

Indoors & outdoors

What can be done to make this better?

• Suitable Playing Areas Gardens

Is there one present with the house Green Areas

These should be one in every estate but sometimes are not Parks/Playgrounds

Is there one close at hand Are they properly equipped e.g slides, swings, climbing walls etc.,

Community Halls/Swimming Pools Are they close by

Gardens

Green Areas

Playgrounds Parks

Indoor Playgrounds

Swimming Pools & Community Halls

Significance of Free Play

•Why is free play significant to S & C coaches? Free play has many benefits for children

including:PhysicalEmotionalSocial

Benefits of Free Play• Physical

Helps build strong bones, muscle length & lung capacity Increases cognitive function, improve academic achievement &

accelerates neurocognitive processing More active children are less likely to smoke, abuse alcohol or take

illegal drugs as they get older(BHF 2009) Playing is good for developing motor skills

Benefits of Free Play• Emotional

Having fun, enjoying life, being children Helps them relax, releases built up energy, reduces tension Children are allowed to express themselves

• Social Helps develop conflict resolution capabilities Encourages individual thinking Develops leadership skills

Research Studies• Family of three children A,B & C aged 12, 9 & 6 years of age• Child A

Plays computer games a lot Not involved in sports games or active in free play Easily frustrated, poor academically Very well mannered, good interpersonal skills, active imagination

• Child B Watches laptop or T.V. Not involved in an over amount of free play or any active play Lazy, overweight, unwilling to do things on her own,, lacks confidence

Research Studies• Child C

Takes part in a massive amount of free play as well as structured play

Watches far less T.V. or plays computer games Very bright academically Highly independent & self confident

Activities• Free play can occur anywhere

Indoors Outdoors At home In Public

• You can also use Toys Bouncy castles/slides etc. Water Snow Nothing at all

Activities• But the one thing they have to use is their

IMMAGINATION

Conclusion/What can we do?

As S & C conditioning coaches what can we do to increase the level of ‘free play’ amongst children??

References• www.udel.edu• www.sciencedirect.com• www.environ.ie• www.planetplayground.com• www.thefreelibrary.com