The Playday report, by charities Play England and Save the Children, has found that only 27.4% of children today say they regularly play outside in their local street.
This resources pack includes an article from First News, along with a sheet of activities designed to get children thinking, talking and writing about what the story means to them.
Oracy
The research says that children who play outside are likely to feel more positive. Isn’t it right that we should be encouraging them to go outdoors for this very reason? Have we been overlooking their emotional wellbeing for too long?
Are we teaching our young people to be too scared to take risks? Or do you think that children’s safety should always come before their feelings?
Aren’t there increased dangers such as more traffic these days? Isn’t keeping a close eye on your little ones just good parenting? What do you think?
Writing skills
Write an imagined speech from a council politician trying to persuade others on the town council to spend less money on playgrounds and more on things like flowerbeds and reducing the cost of parking permits. Make it as serious or humorous as you like but try to present a persuasive case, even though you (probably) disagree with it.
Or
Imagine a conversation between a mother hamster and her son in which she is trying to dissuade him from leaving the cage. While he’s wanting to explore the wider world, she could be telling him why it’s dangerous and encouraging him to spend more time on his running wheel. Make it as serious or humorous as you like but remember to use all the conventions of writing direct speech.
Investigate
Public playgrounds have not always been provided by communities. Research the history of children’s playgrounds and write a fact file consisting of five fascinating things that you discovered.
What is First News?
Launched in May 2006, First News is the most trusted weekly newspaper for young audiences, covering global headlines and empowering children with an understanding of the world in which they are growing up.
To find out more about how First News could help your school unlock the power of news-based learning, through high quality, weekly resources alongside the print and digital newspaper, visit the First News Education website.