This program fully aligns with the national physical education standards and can help promote moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity to combat childhood obesity. Play On!® was developed to provide educators with an easy to implement hands-on fitness guide and program for the playground that is effective and simple to use.
They conducted a national study to evaluate the program that provided specific information about the correlation between the program and physical activity benefits. Fourteen schools were selected through a national Beta Site selection process through SHAPE America, in which schools submitted an application to volunteer to participate in the research. Approximately 6,000 children from 14 beta sites in 5 states participated from February to May 2009. Research included a series of pre– and post– intervention surveys completed by the teacher, children, parents, as well as two focus groups at one of the Beta Sites to qualitatively measure physical activity and skill development. The research findings showed that:
- 91% of teachers reported that playground use increased
- 90% of teachers plan to use the program in the future
- 100% rated the program 4-5 on a 5 point scale
- 25% of parents participated in more family activity after the Play On! program was initiated
- 100% of students reported having fun engaging in the activities
- 90-100% of teachers reported that Play On! motivated students to participate in regular, enjoyable, physical activity in a safe and supervised environment
Play On includes 125 age-appropriate activity cards, as well as helpful teacher tools like worksheets to help design sessions & track student progress, and send home guides in both English and Spanish to encourage family participation in regular activity. Playgrounds designed with us using these best practice guidelines are eligible for National Demonstration Site status. Maximize your playground investment by adding Play On! programming to your facility.
Developed in Partnership with
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, physically active lives. SHAPE America’s mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport. As the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals, the organization is committed to empowering all children to lead healthy and active lives through effective health and physical education programs. Through our national partnership, PlayCore has worked with physical activity experts to develop Play On!: Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness Through Active Play, an evidence-based program designed to promote physical fitness and fun through the use of well-designed outdoor play environments and creative playground learning activities. For years, PlayCore has been a member of SHAPE America’s Advisory Council to address our collective goal of active, fit, and healthy Americans. PlayCore is a proud supporter of 50 Million Strong by 2029 SHAPE America’s national commitment to empowering all children to lead healthy and active lives through effective health and physical education programs.
