Play is the best natural resource in a creative economy. Kids need more of it. It is the work of childhood. We hope to intrinsically change the opinion that play is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity for kids' lives. Darell Hammond absolutechangechildhood share on social
During National Playground Safety Week, I'll celebrate common-sense safety. I'll also celebrate skinned knees and bruised elbows. I'll celebrate so-called 'dangerous' playgrounds - playgrounds with see-saws, zip lines and towering slides. Darell Hammond bruisecallcelebrate share on social
Sendak's 1963 classic 'Where The Wild Things Are' has long been a favorite of mine because of the creative imagery, fantastic adventures and, most of all, because of how this timeless story shows us that children need to be free to roam, explore and invent in order to understand their place in the world that surrounds them. Darell Hammond adventurechildclassic share on social
By providing our young children with opportunities for free, child-directed play, along with proper nutrition, we are setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits, versus interventions needed later in life. Darell Hammond childdirectfree share on social
We must make sure that there is recess and P.E. class in every school, getting kids outside for 60 minutes, every day. Darell Hammond classdaykid Change image and share on social
Increased physical activity during the school day can help children's attention, classroom behavior, and achievement test scores. Meanwhile, the decline of play is closely linked to ADHD; behavioral problems; and stunted social, cognitive, and creative development. Darell Hammond achievementactivityadhd share on social
It's absolutely crucial that every child-serving organization - be it an elementary school, daycare, or community center - provide its children with time and space to play. Darell Hammond absolutelycenterchild Change image and share on social
At KaBOOM! we are crowd-sourcing a nationwide Map of Play that uses GIS data and user rankings to identify where the engaging playgrounds are located, but more importantly, where they are not. Darell Hammond crowddatumengage Change image and share on social
Our society spends a lot of money on prison bars. For the sake of our kids, let's invest in monkey bars. Darell Hammond barinvestkid Change image and share on social
Play exercises both your physical and creative muscles. It helps you move around, solve problems, challenge yourself, and think in new ways. Not to mention that it's just plain fun. Darell Hammond challengecreativeexercise Change image and share on social