Important Advice For Parents Shopping For Kids' School Shoes

Choosing kids school shoes can be a battleground. Often when shopping for the necessary items, children will push for the most expensive, trendier shoes that the Headteacher simply won't allow and parents will try to gently persuade them to favour the more reasonably priced, durable and sensibly styled option. This is because we know that if we buy them the trendy ones, we'll be buying them another pair in a month or so when they've gone out of fashion!

Making sure that children's school shoes are well fitted is very important. A lot of people don't realise it but the bones in the foot don't fully develop until the child reaches 18 years of age. Children's feet are made up mainly of cartilage until this point and so ill-fitting shoes can cause a lot of severe foot health problems in adulthood, if not sorted out early on with simple foot measurements carried out correctly and well made shoes.

There are a lot of shoes nowadays that simply don't support a child's foot and this is something to be mindful of when shopping for your little boy or girl's school shoes. The first of these would be the ballet style pumps which are in fashion at the moment and little girls wanting to be grown up like their mummies are frequently spotted wearing the shoes. But these shoes should be left to their mummies, as slip on shoes can be particularly dangerous when running around the playground and they also offer no support or shock absorption.

When buying boys school shoes, don't let him bend you round his little finger by saying that trainers are comfortable and if bought if black, or a colour accepted by the school, are permissible. Although they are laced up shoes, which are a lot better for children's feet as they offer support, they aren't suitable for everyday wear as they are especially designed for participating in sports.

Although it doesn't seem possible at times, it is completely achievable to purchase a pair of kids' school shoes that pleases both parent and child alike. Your child can have the cool, trendy shoes they want while you ensure that their foot health is looked after and they won't need another pair within the month because their existing ones have fallen apart! Advice to parents is the most important thing about children's school shoes should be that to make sure shoes are fitted properly and allow enough room for toes to move about freely and also to allow for growth. The outer area of the shoe should be firm and supportive yet not too tight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4432610

Country in the City at the Madison Children's Museum, Madison WI USA

  

 
Talk about your green roofs...thanks to reader Carol for submitting the rooftop garden playscape of the Madison Children's Museum in Madison Wisconsin.  With nary a traditional play structure in sight, Kubala Washatko Architects nonetheless created an eminently playable space with so much scope for exploration...and even chickens! This is a great example of how a space we might more traditionally consider a garden can be tweeked to become a playscape just by allowing say, the walls to be climb-able and the rocks to be step-able; the gazebo to be hide-able and the paths to be chase-able. Beautifully done.

Wooden Playscapes by Atelier de Launay

Since 1971, Atelier de Launay have been creating extraordinary sculptural playscapes, mostly of wood, mostly in France.

"Creating a playground is not about placing prefabricated pieces. 
The planning of a playground should form a link between the people and the space. 
Designs come from specific histories and memories of people.   
Each site is given a special answer and a new story.   

To shelter, to lie down, to appear, to swing, to snuggle, to hide, to climb, to crawl, to cross a bridge, to discover, to fall, to get lost, to find, to go down, to go for a walk, to go through a tunnel, to go up, to hang from, to jump, to imagine stories, to make noise, to move, to play games, to perch, to roll, to run, to slide, to stride, to touch, to spin, to turn upside down, to watch, to step, to meet… 

These playgrounds go beyond typical play functions to awaken the active imaginations of all users, from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly.."

Too often when we think of using wood on the playground, we think simply of boards; surely the least interesting expression of what used to be a tree.   The other extreme is to refuse to alter the tree's 'treeness' at all, utilizing only stumps or rough trunk sections. Atelier de Launay celebrates all the possibilities of wood as a medium for playscapes, from climbing boards to realistic animals to Henry Moore-esque abstractions.  And their ideas about honoring site history and memory are ambitious; referencing such things as the the library of Rousseau and four of the artistic studies of Leonardo:  architecture, botany, anatomy, and drape.

Playgrounds are so strongly about the physical that intellectual pursuits don't naturally spring to mind as a design focus.  But I'm fascinated by the sophistication this 'layer of the mind' adds to the playspace, and thinking about how a child might gradually come to realize that the forms on which they are clambering were studied, long ago, by Leonardo;  or how grown-ups might consider the books Rousseau had in his library while their children play.  How might you add an intellectual layer to your playscape?

[Many thanks to Paris-based landscape architects sensomoto for introducing me to Atelier de Launay!] 

Numen Netscape, Belgium, 2011

Austrian/Croatian design collective Numen, whose cocoon-like constructions of sticky tape have been featured on the blog before, expanded their exploration of flexible space into nets for a contemporary art space in Belgium earlier this year.  I love the way these provide for both bouncy activity and calm contemplation.

Nets aren't new on the playground.  But like Toshiko Horiuchi's creations, Numen's work creates a fully three-dimensional space to be in, not just a piece of equipment to stand or climb on.  That's why they feel so special, for children and adults alike.  

Add caption

[thanks to reader Mark for the tip!]

Playground Crochet by Toshiko Horiuchi

 Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, who orders yarn by the ton for her creations, is the textile artist behind the oft photographed net constructions at the Hakone sculpture park in Sapporo Japan. 

I love the story of how she came to be engaged with children's play:  "It all happened quite by accident. Two children had entered the gallery where she was exhibiting 'Multiple Hammock No. 1' and, blissfully unaware of the usual polite protocols that govern the display of fine art, asked to use it. She watched nervously as they climbed into the structure, but then was thrilled to find that the work suddenly came alive in ways she had never really anticipated. She noticed that the fabric took on new life - swinging and stretching with the weight of the small bodies, forming pouches and other unexpected transformations, and above all there were the sounds of the undisguised delight of children exploring a new play space."

From that point, her work shifted out of the gallery and a subdued, monochromatic pallet into a riotous rainbow of colors for children's playscapes.

Rainbow Net was produced in close collaboration with structural engineers TIS & Partners and landscape architects Takano Landscape Planning and opened in July of 2000 after three years of planning, testing, and building.

Note that the project began with a brief not for a playground, but simply for 'public art'.   Wouldn't it be great if when we heard 'public art' we automatically thought 'play'?

But innovative playscapes require an enormous commitment:

"...endless cycles of discussion and approval, with meticulous attention to detail...[including] an actual scale wooden replica of the space in Horiuchi's studio and accurately scaled crocheted nets using fine cotton thread. Even then, it was difficult to assess many things. What difference, for instance, would the weight of the real yarn make when everything increased in scale? All of these factors had to be calculated in order to arrive at a scientific methodology that could eradicate any risk of unacceptable danger." During final assembly, Toshiko crocheted ten hours a day, often on her knees, until the installation was complete.
With the current revival of the textile arts and yarn bombings everywhere, I'd love to see more crochet on the playground!

Playgrounds Designed with Bullies in Mind

The playground bully is a classic villain in children's lives and literature alike.   Playgrounds don't create bullies, of course, but could design adjustments help prevent acts of bullying?

I recently came across a great vintage document by Gary Moore, Uriel Cohen, Jeffrey Oertel, and Lani van Ryzin of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, entitled Designing Environments for Handicapped Children:  a design guide and case study, published by the Educational Facilities Laboratory in 1979.

Its advice on play spaces for handicapped children is likely dated now, and in any case I am no expert in that field, though it should be noted that the work is replete with remarks on the importance of natural elements and the need for loose parts, lesson we still haven't learned.

But I was most intrigued by its discussion of "Retreats and Breakaway Points" (p. 68 of the doc, if you're following along).

'Retreats' are places that individuals or small groups can be away from other groups.  As the authors note, the placement of these areas is critical; they should be located out of the flow of, but still connected to, the general space of the playground, much like a nook or window seat in an interior space.  This allows a child to withdraw without having to completely cede the playground territory.

I'll add to the authors' analysis the further requirement that a retreat should be an attractive designed space in its own right.  A mere bench doesn't qualify.  In this way, a child who needs to utilize the retreat isn't surrendering their own enjoyment or involvement.  They're just moving to another attractive, though less active, part of the playscape.

A 'Breakaway Point' provides a face-saving exit from an 'unfavorable situation'.  Though the context of the authors is that of a physical challenge that a child might not be able to master, the idea is also relevant to the unfavorable presence of a bully.   Providing breakaway points also promotes increased exploration of the playground space by reducing the fear of an upcoming challenge.

The inclusion of these design features has no downside; even if they didn't reduce the potential for bullying they would be sensitive and attractive additions to any playscape.  As a quieter child myself, I usually hung out on the concrete steps of the school away from the vigorous play.  I would have welcomed a more inviting retreat. And having once felt trapped by a big kid on the climbing equipment, I just stayed away. 

 

The entire document is available online; it's definitely for the serious playgrounder but is full of vintage yet still relevant thoughts.  Highly recommended for your further reading!

Crater Lake, 24° STUDIO, Kobe Japan, 2011

Like all biennale installations, Crater Lake by 24° STUDIO for the Kobe, Japan event is only temporary.  And though meant mostly for grown-up art fair attendees, it incorporates space for climbing, sliding, hiding, performance, quiet play, and even flexibility (the seating stools are movable) in a compelling visual form that can be enjoyed by all ages.  Very, very well done.

Quick, somebody, hire these guys to make a permanent playscape!

[via the contemporist]

Advice On Kids Toys For 2011

Even though the economic situation is on the blink, Christmas is approaching and everyone is gearing up for doing commerce in kids toys for 2011. Each year, Christmas brings the most thrills of shopping in the retail business. Considering the amount of retailers that'll be offering their own products, shopping for just about any toy will probably become harder.

Choosing The Right Kind Of Kids Toy

Selecting a toy for a kid is entirely based on the age of the child. Each age group has its own complexity that has to be addressed. The products have to be physically harmless and should not contain dangerous paints or chemicals. Products that stimulate the mind and provide unlimited fun are the best to go for. Children should be able to use them in diverse imaginative ways.

Some Popular Kids Toy Ideas

One of the most popular toy for this year is the Xbox Kinect. This is a virtual machine game which entices children of different age groups. This is a motion based and voice activated system. Players are able to interact with their friends and control the video at the same time. This makes it perfect for both young as well as old players.

Among other computerized games, Fisher Price IxL is one of the most popular toys. This is good for somewhat younger children who are still learning their reading and number skills. It helps with writing, phonics, number skills, reading comprehension and more. However, the whole process is done in a fun way, so it will surely appeal to both the kids as well as their parents.

LEGO Board Games is another popular choice. Although LEGO Games have been available for decades, this is different since it has been modernized with the use of Toy Story, Harry Potter and Star Wars. Different combinations from these will amaze any child and keep them engrossed for hours on end.

If your child is really advanced, then you could even choose the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kit. This allows them to put together their own programmable robot, and the different options are only really limited by your child's imagination (just make sure it's not too difficult for them to put together).

Options are usually endless in terms of choosing toys and games. However, it is vital to commence early and also make your option. It will be advisable to be able to book early in order to avoid any letdown in kids toys for 2011.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6560933

Backyard 8-Track

Typographically beautiful, endless fun.

[this one has been in my files for a long time; source unknown.  If you know where it came from, please tell me!]

UPDATE:  thanks to reader grégory for providing the credit for this photo; it is from

Informal Meetings

Photography and design: Radim Pesko

A collection of photographs, first volume of small image novelas, published by Bedford Press.

http://www.radimpesko.com/souvenirs

The Park for Playing and Thinking, Contrafile and Basurama, Sao Paulo Brasil

The ever-playful Basurama (whose Ghost Train Park in Lima has been previously featured on the blog) collaborated with Brazilian collective Contrafilé and other partners to create a park in which to both play AND think in a Sao Paulo favela.  The community, and especially its children, were deeply engaged in both planning and construction. 

They used old tires to retain a refuse-ridden slope, as well as for stair-paths and climbing structures. There's a gigantic blackboard and an electricity generating bike, as well as a radio station, a sound toy, and a community stage, plus a tight rope and is that a turning bar in the community space?  Aldo van Eyck would be SO proud. 

 

I'm really glad to see that they didn't neglect the designed landscape; in addition to garden beds and composting bins there are dedicated areas reserved for plantings of trees and grass, wise choices that far more expensive (and supposedly well-designed) playgrounds consistently ignore.  And a elevated community playpen for the bebes.  One small participant said 'we're making a garden out of garbage!'

Check out the blog that chronicles Parque para Brincar e Pensar...the community love and labor on display there is inspiring.

Thanks to friend of Playscapes Ángela León,who participated in the project, for submitting it.  I really like the idea of considering both playing and thinking...does your playground think?

The future of online games virtual world

While some say that virtual worlds are just a fad that will disappear over time, others think otherwise. So what does the future of these virtual communities and how it will be done through technological advances and new times?

While current trade with real money (RMT) exercise and the use of avatars to project real-world identification to show the boundary between the virtual and real life has been quite blurred, this border will be further reduced more time.

Of high trade expansion of virtual resources for better use of virtual worlds as teams to meet people in the future of virtual worlds may evolve well beyond their own game backgrounds. If it be a blessing or a curse, these worlds can increasingly serve as centers of commerce, industry and business.

Only in the world of Second Life, relations have hit a rate of $ 2.7 million a month. Goods companies using the product online worlds to prototype, promote and sell products. Brands that have already made their appearance in the virtual worlds consist of some of the most famous in the world.

A series of worlds

A number of metaverse exceed the very concept of a virtual world designed for writers in science fiction, because as we see an endless variety of websites in the last ten or fifteen years, we once again observe an increase the number of online worlds.

You can visit a world to do the job that earns a real wage, a different world to consider a college program, another to the gaming experience with your friends who are registered worldwide, but to talk to members family who live both near and far.

As technical advances, for example, increased mobile broadband Internet and entry easier access to areas of the virtual world on a daily basis, regardless of location, appointments to these worlds may end up increasing part of the structure of everyday life.

Virtual worlds are not places of a "voucher" for. In contrast, online and offline fine mesh to become a part of your daily routine. So, is your avatar ready for the virtual future?

Key features of these worlds

Six features that come with the virtual world games online at present and which are the main features that could ensure not only survival but prosperity:

1. Sharing space. The world allows many users to sign up again.
2. Graphical user interface. The world is visually room.
3. Immediacy. The interaction that occurs in real time.
4. Interactivity. The world allows users to change, develop, develop or publish personalized content.
5. Persistence. Lifestyle of the world is whether or not individual clients are steeped in.
6. Of the community. The world allows and promotes the formation of the world social organizations and groups, unions, clubs, gangs, roommates, or neighborhoods.