Day6

=DAY 6=

Schedule for the day
History -- Why do we have playgrounds? What purpose do they serve?

Discuss with your group why you think playgrounds are important. Make a list of what a playground should do for its community. Keep this list -- it will help you select features for your Perfect Playground.

Now let's look at the history of playgrounds, especially in the United States.

Read Wikipedia.com //Playground. Look up any unfamiliar words at Dictionary.com and make a list of the words and their definitions. What does this article tell you about playgrounds? How much should we trust Wikipedia? Discuss with your instructor why Wikipedia may or may not be the best source of information.

Now look this article from The Atlantic Cities online: //The Politics of Playgrounds, a History// by Amanda Erickson, Mar 14, 2012. Look up any unfamiliar words at Dictionary.com and make a list of the words and their definitions. What does this article tell you about playgrounds? Is it more trustworthy than Wikipedia? Why or why not?

Now look at this article: City of New York Parks and Recreation, //Playgrounds in Parks// Is it more difficult to read? Why or why not? How could you scan this article? Does it tell you anything new?

Look at the pictures in the article. Choose one. Use this photograph analysis worksheet to help you. What is the year of this photo? What does this picture tell you about what was important about playgrounds at that time (the date of your photo)? How does this photo compare to your vision of your Perfect Playground?

How can you use your skills at reading and at understanding pictures and photos in the future?