Swings - so simple, so powerful! Here are 9 benefits of playing on swings for children - from sensory integration and spatial awareness to stress relief and social skills! buff.ly/2N8A6Hv #Playmatters #ChildDevelopment

🐾 Ready for a wild adventure? Check out our new video as we explore Indiana’s BEST zoos! 👇 Which zoo would you visit first? #zoos #zooanimals #zoolife #animallovers hubs.la/Q02Q5QmX0

Our brains are built to benefit from play no matter what our age. ” ~ Theresa A. Kestly, contemporary American psychologist #Playmatters #Family #ChildDevelopment

Want resilient and well-adjusted kids? Let them play! Research shows play has enormous learning and social benefits across all ages: buff.ly/3UYfpAL Thanks for the awesome article, Jackie Mader and The Hechinger Report! #Playmatters #ChildDevelopment

“Play isn’t just child’s play — it’s a developmental superpower." ~ Sarah J. Cavenaugh, MD The magic of child’s play: A cornerstone of development! Fantastic article on why #playmatters from UT Physicians: buff.ly/3BgK5IW #ChildDevelopment

"Play provides children with opportunities to learn about and master relationships, language, math, science, problem solving, and their bodies." ~ Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center #Playmatters #ChildDevelopment

Couldn't agree more! Outdoor play is enriching to every aspect of child development and happiness (and grown-ups, too!) Here is a collection of quotes and research on nature's incredible role in child development: buff.ly/3wz1rON #Playmatters #Outfam #Fall

"Expressing feelings through play will allow a child to work through his or her problems, rather than internalizing them. In doing this, the child will be forming a basis for healthy emotional, mental, social, and physical well-being." ~ NCHPAD #Playmatters #PlayOutside

Chronic stress is toxic for the growing brain. Outdoor play is scientifically proven to relieve stress and encourages a healthy release of bottled-up emotions. #Playmatters #Outfam #SaveRecess

Discover how tech is transforming playgrounds! Watch now to see what’s next for kids' play! 🎉 #PlaygroundInnovation #FuturePlaygrounds #ARPlayground #InteractivePlay hubs.la/Q02Rm0Df0

“It is time for a return to childhood, to simplicity, to running and climbing and laughing in the sunshine, to experiencing happiness instead of being trained for a lifetime of pursuing happiness. It is time to let children be children again.” ~ L.R.Knost #Playmatters

"Children often want to create challenge and uncertainty in their play. Through risky, challenging play, children test themselves and find out their own limits. They learn how to deal with risk through play and can use these same skills later in life." ~ NI Direct #Playmatters

Immune function is improved by exposure to sunlight, and even half an hour on a playground triggers the body's reaction. ☀️ There are so many reasons why playgrounds are wonderful platforms for growth, learning, and fun! Here are 77: buff.ly/2FCqmlf #Playmatters #Play

It's absolutely crucial that every child-serving organization -- be it an elementary school, daycare, or community center -- provide its children with time & space to play." ~ Darell Hammond Why every student needs a playground to succeed: buff.ly/4eTF8nR #Playmatters

Another gem from he's-extraordinary.com! Play is the highest form of research because it is how children experiment and discover themselves and the world around them. It is also how many adults generate new, creative ideas! #Playmatters #Quotes

A study by the University of Cambridge found that children who engaged in physical play with their fathers from an early age were better at regulating emotions and behaviors later in life. Way to go, dads! #Playmatters #Parenting

"Abstract thinking is play. By taking images, ideas, and concepts from inside their own minds and re-organizing, sorting, and re-connecting in new ways, children create. They create play worlds, hopes, desires, and wishes.” — Bruce D. Perry #Playmatters

Check out the most iconic Halloween costumes from the 1950s to today! Get some spooky inspo and relive your favorite looks through the decades! 👀🎃 hubs.la/Q02TkrHw0 #DIYCostumes #Halloween #TrickOrTreat #HalloweenCostumes

Research shows that a decline in play and recess correlates with a decline in empathy. Pretend play and playing among peers is key for cultivating compassion, acceptance, and a richer world view. #Playmatters #Parenting #SaveRecess

Exciting day at Frakes School Center! 🎉 Thanks to the Thompson Charitable Foundation, we brought new playground fun to the students. Their smiles say it all! Here’s to more playtime memories! 🛝💫 hubs.la/Q02TFKtZ0 #Playgrounds #CommunityImpact #FrakesSchoolCenter