3 July 08
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister of National Development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan
Upgrading of Playground Facilities
I am a student from Pasir Ris Secondary School. I am writing to you to give some feedback of the on the playgrounds in Tampines and suggestions to improve these playgrounds.
Tampines has been a great living environment for all ages and is flourishing under your expert management.
However, I wish to bring up a matter regarding the many playgrounds in Tampines. Recently, my school had me and my classmates design a playground suitable for physically and mentally disabled children. We decided to pick children with downs syndrome to focus this project on. Although many children can agree that playgrounds in Singapore are fine just the way they are, there is still a large number of children would not agree. Usually, these children do not like the playgrounds because the playgrounds are not suitable for them to play in. Not many, or maybe even none of the playgrounds in Singapore suit the need of children with disabilities and they are often outcasted. I propose that we make more user-friendly playgrounds for disabled children in our society.
If we are to make a playground suitable for these children, there should of course be extra safety precautions. Occationally, even normal children without disabilities get injured when playing in the public playgrounds. I know of this because I went home with a dislocated arm once after falling from the monkey bars. Safety features in the playground are of utmost importance but should (NOT A MUST) not restrict the fun for the children. Secondly, playgrounds should be redesigned to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Often, some parts of the playground are too high to reach or dangerous for children with disabilities. Some of these facilities are the monkey bars and the flying fox (the children would hold onto a handle and swing back and forth).
Me and my team have come up with a playground which we think will be suitable for these children. The playground will have three levels and will look like a smaller indoor playground. There would be a small "cosy" area for children to rest in, maybe gather in and just chat. The playground must also provide play equipment, such as mazes and games like tic tac toe on the walls. As children with downs syndrome enjoy repitition, puzzle games would thrill them. Also, since the playground is 3 levels high, there must not be a way for children to climb along the railings, as they often do when the play Blind Mice. The playground must also be linked up by crawl-through tunnels, as this will deter off any older children (like my childish primary 6 brother).
I hope you take this letter into consideration, and maybe, there might be a change in the playgrounds in the next community upgrading renovations.
Yours sincerely ,
Joshua Tan Chye Kiat
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Suggestions to improve playgrounds (Wynner )
Pasir Ris Secondary School
390 Tampines St 21
Singapore 529400
3rd July 2008
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister of national development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr. Tan
Proposal of playground suggestions
Tampines has been a great living environment for people to live and play in. Under your expert leadership and management, the environment of Tampines has improved greatly. Recently, I was involved in a project to help build a playground for children with disabilities. My group was selected to build a playground for children with the down’s syndrome. As you can see, none of the playgrounds in Tampines cater to the needs of the kids with down’s syndrome. The playgrounds in the neighbourhood are mostly for normal children with no disabilities at all. The children with down’s syndrome would not have a place to have fun and relax. In order to let the children with down’s syndrome have fun, our group decided to build a playground for the children with the down’s syndrome.
The playground that my group built for the kids with the down’s syndrome consists of 3 levels. We planned it carefully so as to meet the basic needs for the kids with down’s syndrome. We also listed the disabilities of the kids with down’s syndrome and thought of the solution to it so that the parents of the kids with down’s and the kids themselves syndrome can rest assured that the play ground is safe to play in.
I feel that we have to consider all the needs of all kinds of people with all kinds of disabilities in this society so that they will feel that they are treated as the same as people with no disabilities.
Yours Sincerely,
Wynner
390 Tampines St 21
Singapore 529400
3rd July 2008
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister of national development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr. Tan
Proposal of playground suggestions
Tampines has been a great living environment for people to live and play in. Under your expert leadership and management, the environment of Tampines has improved greatly. Recently, I was involved in a project to help build a playground for children with disabilities. My group was selected to build a playground for children with the down’s syndrome. As you can see, none of the playgrounds in Tampines cater to the needs of the kids with down’s syndrome. The playgrounds in the neighbourhood are mostly for normal children with no disabilities at all. The children with down’s syndrome would not have a place to have fun and relax. In order to let the children with down’s syndrome have fun, our group decided to build a playground for the children with the down’s syndrome.
The playground that my group built for the kids with the down’s syndrome consists of 3 levels. We planned it carefully so as to meet the basic needs for the kids with down’s syndrome. We also listed the disabilities of the kids with down’s syndrome and thought of the solution to it so that the parents of the kids with down’s and the kids themselves syndrome can rest assured that the play ground is safe to play in.
I feel that we have to consider all the needs of all kinds of people with all kinds of disabilities in this society so that they will feel that they are treated as the same as people with no disabilities.
Yours Sincerely,
Wynner
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Suggestions to improve playgrounds (Gavin )
Pasir Ris Secondary Shool
390 Tampines street 21
Singapore 529400
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister for National Development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan
Proposal of playground suggestions
I am a student from Pasir Ris Secondary School and I live in a region of Bedok Reservoir. I am writing this letter to you to give some suggestions and feedbacks about the current playgroundin the Tampines Avenue.
The playgrounds are very fun and it always reminds me of the good childhood times I had, but I think the kids these days have changed. They are exposed to more things and their expectations are also higher, so we need to start to change the playgrounds design and the technology, the current playgrounds design and the technology is still alright but I think that if the playground would make something new, the kids will like it as they will not has seen a playground like a new one.
Our school have given us a project to improve our current playground. They also elaborate it and ask to reach out to the standards of the disabled children. Children that are suffering visually impaired, downs syndrome and some other examples. My group has chosen to work on the needs of downs syndrome children. We found out thatdowns syndrome children require additional features for the playground. One of these features is that the playground must be safe. There must be soft floor paddind and the walls must also be padded, or if a child falls, he might get injured. Children also like different bright colours, so the playground must be very colourful. We haved designed alot of safe and fun features for our playground.
I hope you will consider my suggestions and feedback.
Yours sincerely,
Seah Yong Chiang, Class 2e6
390 Tampines street 21
Singapore 529400
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister for National Development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan
Proposal of playground suggestions
I am a student from Pasir Ris Secondary School and I live in a region of Bedok Reservoir. I am writing this letter to you to give some suggestions and feedbacks about the current playgroundin the Tampines Avenue.
The playgrounds are very fun and it always reminds me of the good childhood times I had, but I think the kids these days have changed. They are exposed to more things and their expectations are also higher, so we need to start to change the playgrounds design and the technology, the current playgrounds design and the technology is still alright but I think that if the playground would make something new, the kids will like it as they will not has seen a playground like a new one.
Our school have given us a project to improve our current playground. They also elaborate it and ask to reach out to the standards of the disabled children. Children that are suffering visually impaired, downs syndrome and some other examples. My group has chosen to work on the needs of downs syndrome children. We found out thatdowns syndrome children require additional features for the playground. One of these features is that the playground must be safe. There must be soft floor paddind and the walls must also be padded, or if a child falls, he might get injured. Children also like different bright colours, so the playground must be very colourful. We haved designed alot of safe and fun features for our playground.
I hope you will consider my suggestions and feedback.
Yours sincerely,
Seah Yong Chiang, Class 2e6
Suggestions to improve playgrounds (Aaron )
Pasir Ris Secondary School
390 Tampines street 21
Singapore 529400
3rd July 2008
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Mister of national development
Members of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan
Proposal Of Playground Suggestions
I am a student from Pasir Ris Secondary School and I live in the region of Tampines. I am writing this letter to you to give some feedbacks about the current playgrounds in the Tampines Avenue as well as suggestions on how to improve them.
The playgrounds in the district were very interesting and fun after doing my research. Most children would appreciate the curret playground because of the innovative structure. However, looking in to the modern society, more and more children are looking for better and more creative things. As the society changes, the playground should also change. In other words, the playground needs newer facilities. The playgrounds should have newer patterns and equipments. The playground should also be much bigger. I felt that building an indoor playground outdoor can be a good idea. Therefore, the playground would be up to modern standard.
The next way of improving a playground is to look at the differents kind of children. Basically, I felt that the playground does not meet much of the needs of the disabled children after doing much research of playground in the neighborhood. The playgrounds do not have much safety precautions and it has obstructions for disabled children. Many disabled children are unable to reach a certain height of the playground and they also could not play most of the playground equipment such as monkey bars, flying fox and other interesting things. Often, I will see disabled children who are unable to play in the normal playground because of their disability. I am deeply saddened by this. It made me felt taht something should be done. They would also miss out on the fun which other children would not. Therefore, the current playground should undergo a change to meet the needs of the disabled children. My schools have given my group a project to improve the current playground in order to reach the standard of the disabled children such as children suffering from visually impaired and Down syndrome. My project has taken up the role of creating a playground for children suffering from Down syndrome. The main purpose of the playground is to allow the down syndrome children to have fun and improving their social skills as well as balancing and learning skills. My playground consists of 3 levels that had met the needs of them such as their slowness and the mental disabilities. The playground would have new facilities such as safety features, music-playing buttons, colourful backgrounds to help the down syndrome kids to learn better as well as many safety precautions. My group and I had found out that the Down syndrome will need addition care and safety.
I felt that the playground would need a change for disabled children. The current playground could be improved by adding more safety and the special features. Therefore, the disabled children could be the same as normal children and they could see a better future. I would sincerely hope that you would look in to my suggestions and re-design the playground. I look foward to your reply.
Yours Sincerely
Aaron Mak Jun Wei
390 Tampines street 21
Singapore 529400
3rd July 2008
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Mister of national development
Members of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan
Proposal Of Playground Suggestions
I am a student from Pasir Ris Secondary School and I live in the region of Tampines. I am writing this letter to you to give some feedbacks about the current playgrounds in the Tampines Avenue as well as suggestions on how to improve them.
The playgrounds in the district were very interesting and fun after doing my research. Most children would appreciate the curret playground because of the innovative structure. However, looking in to the modern society, more and more children are looking for better and more creative things. As the society changes, the playground should also change. In other words, the playground needs newer facilities. The playgrounds should have newer patterns and equipments. The playground should also be much bigger. I felt that building an indoor playground outdoor can be a good idea. Therefore, the playground would be up to modern standard.
The next way of improving a playground is to look at the differents kind of children. Basically, I felt that the playground does not meet much of the needs of the disabled children after doing much research of playground in the neighborhood. The playgrounds do not have much safety precautions and it has obstructions for disabled children. Many disabled children are unable to reach a certain height of the playground and they also could not play most of the playground equipment such as monkey bars, flying fox and other interesting things. Often, I will see disabled children who are unable to play in the normal playground because of their disability. I am deeply saddened by this. It made me felt taht something should be done. They would also miss out on the fun which other children would not. Therefore, the current playground should undergo a change to meet the needs of the disabled children. My schools have given my group a project to improve the current playground in order to reach the standard of the disabled children such as children suffering from visually impaired and Down syndrome. My project has taken up the role of creating a playground for children suffering from Down syndrome. The main purpose of the playground is to allow the down syndrome children to have fun and improving their social skills as well as balancing and learning skills. My playground consists of 3 levels that had met the needs of them such as their slowness and the mental disabilities. The playground would have new facilities such as safety features, music-playing buttons, colourful backgrounds to help the down syndrome kids to learn better as well as many safety precautions. My group and I had found out that the Down syndrome will need addition care and safety.
I felt that the playground would need a change for disabled children. The current playground could be improved by adding more safety and the special features. Therefore, the disabled children could be the same as normal children and they could see a better future. I would sincerely hope that you would look in to my suggestions and re-design the playground. I look foward to your reply.
Yours Sincerely
Aaron Mak Jun Wei
Suggestions to improve playgrounds (Chuan Yin )
PASIR RIS SECONDARY SCHOOL
31 Jalan Selamat
SINGAPORE 418561
3th July 2008
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister of National Development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan ,
Proposal to use playground suggestions to make it more user friendly
I am a student of Pasir Ris Secondary School and I live at kembangan although I do not stay at tampines my school is at tampines . There was a school literature project to design a playground designed to suit a special needs group.Our group chose *down-syndrome children*.As we feel that that is the group of children that we need to focus on.The research done by my teammates and I showed that unlike most children with down-syndrome are far less fortunate and that they require more special aid as compared to other children.
Often down-syndrome children are left out due to their condition and left out as outcasts, thus causing them to be teased and mocked by other children for being different. Our playground would be used to allow them to be able to play like every other child and have an enjoyable and enriching childhood.
That is why we suggest that more safety measures be installed so that the disabled would have the same amount of fun any other children can possibly have.
31 Jalan Selamat
SINGAPORE 418561
3th July 2008
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Minister of National Development
Member of Tampines GRC
Dear Mr Tan ,
Proposal to use playground suggestions to make it more user friendly
I am a student of Pasir Ris Secondary School and I live at kembangan although I do not stay at tampines my school is at tampines . There was a school literature project to design a playground designed to suit a special needs group.Our group chose *down-syndrome children*.As we feel that that is the group of children that we need to focus on.The research done by my teammates and I showed that unlike most children with down-syndrome are far less fortunate and that they require more special aid as compared to other children.
Often down-syndrome children are left out due to their condition and left out as outcasts, thus causing them to be teased and mocked by other children for being different. Our playground would be used to allow them to be able to play like every other child and have an enjoyable and enriching childhood.
This playground would make the playground more user friendly for down syndrome kids. The playground is basicly a place for all children to have fun and play.
~No matter what illness you have, you should not be excluded~
This is the motto we have been working with. In our present playground,the playground is not *friendly* towards disabled children .I agree that they are the minority and everything cannot be made to suit ones personal need but are they not children, do they not have the right to enjoy their youth and have the same amount of fun any other children,do they not have the privilege?
That is why we suggest that more safety measures be installed so that the disabled would have the same amount of fun any other children can possibly have.
Yours faithfully,
Kuah chuan yin
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Titles and posts.
Hey all, we have finally finished our blog and the model, we feel great!. I like to thank everyone in the group that contributed to the blog as well as the model.
Here is our posts in the group:
Aaron- Leader: Head of the group. Everything goes through him first.
Joshua- Presenter/ Blogger: Takes care of the blog, presents the model.
Chuan Yin- Architect/ Assistant Research: Does the model, calculates costs. Helps with research.
Wynner- Secretary: Keeps track of time, edits blog of errors, basically "refines" everything.
Gavin- Research IC: Finds out materials for making the model/ pictures & concept.
Thanks for taking a look at our blog!
Posted by Aaron, edited by Joshua & Wynner.
Here is our posts in the group:
Aaron- Leader: Head of the group. Everything goes through him first.
Joshua- Presenter/ Blogger: Takes care of the blog, presents the model.
Chuan Yin- Architect/ Assistant Research: Does the model, calculates costs. Helps with research.
Wynner- Secretary: Keeps track of time, edits blog of errors, basically "refines" everything.
Gavin- Research IC: Finds out materials for making the model/ pictures & concept.
Thanks for taking a look at our blog!
Posted by Aaron, edited by Joshua & Wynner.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Why should people use our playground.
Why should people use our playground???
1. Its sturdy, won't fall like nicole highway.
2. So colourful, it burns your eyes.
3. Its within the budget.( the costs is about 110k)
4. It is safe, padded for safety.
5. It provides fun and educational challenges, like magic keyboard stuff on the walls.
6. INDOOR AIRCON!!!!!
1. Its sturdy, won't fall like nicole highway.
2. So colourful, it burns your eyes.
3. Its within the budget.( the costs is about 110k)
4. It is safe, padded for safety.
5. It provides fun and educational challenges, like magic keyboard stuff on the walls.
6. INDOOR AIRCON!!!!!
Individual Reflections for Literature Mid-Year Project 2008
Individual Reflections for Literature Mid-Year Project 2008
Sec 2 Express
Eco-friendly features about my group’s 3D-model
1. Structure uses wood, a bio-degradable material (Aaron)
2. Plastic/glass/metal can be melt and remade into different items (Chuan yin)
3. Some items used to make the playground are recycled materials (Wynner)
Remarks (e.g. materials to be used, relevant research with links, photograph links etc)
1. Plasticine is used mostly for the padding on the floor.
2. Super glue to reinforce pillars.
3. Straws used to make climbing bars.( which, are of course padded). (chuan yin)
4. Pillars made of superglued ice scream sticks.
5. Second story of playground made of plastic (floor).
( Done by Joshua & Chuan Yin)
Research taken from:
1.http://www.internationalplayco.com/public.php
Photographs taken from:
1. Google image search: Indoor playground
2. http://www.internationalplayco.com/wishlist.php
3. http://www.megafun4kids.com/gallery.htm
Materials for Playground taken from:
1. http://www.detailedplaypro.com/indoor-playgrounds.htm
Links provided by Wynner.
Playground designs/concepts that are linked to the novel
1. TREEHOUSE.
2. Nylon Webbing
3. Swing across ballpit.
4. Jungle Gym
Done by Joshua and Gavin
Explanation of how the designs/concepts are linked to the novel
1. The Treehouse: Obviously, the time spent most in terabithia is in the treehouse.
2. The Nylon Webbing: This acts like a spider web, adding to the feeling of the the forest in BTT.
3. Swing accross the ballpit: This is just like swinging accross the stream to terabithia.
4. Jungle Gym: Like the trees in the forest, children have to navigate slowly through the jungle gym.
Done by Gavin, Chuan Yin and Joshua.
Playground designs/concepts that meet the special needs of the children with explaination
1) Our playground provides such unique play equipment as the Magic Keyboard and games of skill that are specifically designed to promote the down syndrome child development.It provides children with the security and the skill development opportunities that parents desire. (Joshua)
2) The playground would have many levels and corners in bright colours, this makes the playground lively and the down syndrome children would be happy. This also boost the child's confidence in climbing each level. (Aaron)
3) A treehouse would be located at the side of the playground. The children would be able to climb to it to have a bird's eye view from the top and this will boost the child's confidence of heights. This part we got from the bridge to terabithia. (Wynner)
4) The tree house is designed with a skylight.(a sky light is a window which allows light and air into the enclosed space). In line with energy conservation, we can use the natural light to light up the inside of the tree house during the day, conserving some energy.(Chuan yin)
5) There is a fabric wrapped spiralling discovery tunnel.As they explore the tunnel,it opens up at parts for a controlled vista or view,the openings also serves as ventilation vents.(Chuan yin)
Sec 2 Express
Eco-friendly features about my group’s 3D-model
1. Structure uses wood, a bio-degradable material (Aaron)
2. Plastic/glass/metal can be melt and remade into different items (Chuan yin)
3. Some items used to make the playground are recycled materials (Wynner)
Remarks (e.g. materials to be used, relevant research with links, photograph links etc)
1. Plasticine is used mostly for the padding on the floor.
2. Super glue to reinforce pillars.
3. Straws used to make climbing bars.( which, are of course padded). (chuan yin)
4. Pillars made of superglued ice scream sticks.
5. Second story of playground made of plastic (floor).
( Done by Joshua & Chuan Yin)
Research taken from:
1.http://www.internationalplayco.com/public.php
Photographs taken from:
1. Google image search: Indoor playground
2. http://www.internationalplayco.com/wishlist.php
3. http://www.megafun4kids.com/gallery.htm
Materials for Playground taken from:
1. http://www.detailedplaypro.com/indoor-playgrounds.htm
Links provided by Wynner.
Playground designs/concepts that are linked to the novel
1. TREEHOUSE.
2. Nylon Webbing
3. Swing across ballpit.
4. Jungle Gym
Done by Joshua and Gavin
Explanation of how the designs/concepts are linked to the novel
1. The Treehouse: Obviously, the time spent most in terabithia is in the treehouse.
2. The Nylon Webbing: This acts like a spider web, adding to the feeling of the the forest in BTT.
3. Swing accross the ballpit: This is just like swinging accross the stream to terabithia.
4. Jungle Gym: Like the trees in the forest, children have to navigate slowly through the jungle gym.
Done by Gavin, Chuan Yin and Joshua.
Playground designs/concepts that meet the special needs of the children with explaination
1) Our playground provides such unique play equipment as the Magic Keyboard and games of skill that are specifically designed to promote the down syndrome child development.It provides children with the security and the skill development opportunities that parents desire. (Joshua)
2) The playground would have many levels and corners in bright colours, this makes the playground lively and the down syndrome children would be happy. This also boost the child's confidence in climbing each level. (Aaron)
3) A treehouse would be located at the side of the playground. The children would be able to climb to it to have a bird's eye view from the top and this will boost the child's confidence of heights. This part we got from the bridge to terabithia. (Wynner)
4) The tree house is designed with a skylight.(a sky light is a window which allows light and air into the enclosed space). In line with energy conservation, we can use the natural light to light up the inside of the tree house during the day, conserving some energy.(Chuan yin)
5) There is a fabric wrapped spiralling discovery tunnel.As they explore the tunnel,it opens up at parts for a controlled vista or view,the openings also serves as ventilation vents.(Chuan yin)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Materials of Playground
Materials to Build the Support of the Playground
-Iron/Aluminium
Its strong enough to support the whole play ground
Materials to build the 'spiderweb' thing
-Nylon
Its a very strong rope, which is not easily broken
Materials for the 'Cushions'
-cotton wool, sponge. Put them in a pad thing( something which is like a 'cushion')
Materials for the other Things
-plastic( balls in the ball pit, and the slide)
-a strong kind of plastic( the 'bridge')
-aluminium( handrails)
-leaves( leaves on the 'tree')
-Iron/Aluminium
Its strong enough to support the whole play ground
Materials to build the 'spiderweb' thing
-Nylon
Its a very strong rope, which is not easily broken
Materials for the 'Cushions'
-cotton wool, sponge. Put them in a pad thing( something which is like a 'cushion')
Materials for the other Things
-plastic( balls in the ball pit, and the slide)
-a strong kind of plastic( the 'bridge')
-aluminium( handrails)
-leaves( leaves on the 'tree')
Friday, April 4, 2008
Components of our Treehouse themed playground
Hello to all.After reading the introduction for our playground, let us show you the components of our playground.
Here are some of our components:
1) The playground would be located inside a building such as a shopping mall, as it is considered to be indoor, it would be air-conditioned. Thus, it will not be dependent on the weather and can be accessed any time.
2) There will be two vertical, straight tree-like slides.
3) At the bottom, there will be a ball pit which will cushion the children when they slide down the slide. At the same time, the children can have fun with the balls in the pit. The balls in the pit are to be big enough to prevent the down syndrome kids form choking.
4)There will be many coulorful designs to attract more parents to bring their children as well as the down syndrome children.
5) There will be many safety rules made by us to ensure the place would be free from any accident. There will be nylon " spider webs" , padded flooring and cushions for the slide.
6)Our playground provides such unique play equipment as the Magic Keyboard and games of skill that are specifically designed to promote the down syndrome child development.It provides children with the security and the skill development opportunities that parents desire.
Here are some of our components:
1) The playground would be located inside a building such as a shopping mall, as it is considered to be indoor, it would be air-conditioned. Thus, it will not be dependent on the weather and can be accessed any time.
2) There will be two vertical, straight tree-like slides.
3) At the bottom, there will be a ball pit which will cushion the children when they slide down the slide. At the same time, the children can have fun with the balls in the pit. The balls in the pit are to be big enough to prevent the down syndrome kids form choking.
4)There will be many coulorful designs to attract more parents to bring their children as well as the down syndrome children.
5) There will be many safety rules made by us to ensure the place would be free from any accident. There will be nylon " spider webs" , padded flooring and cushions for the slide.
6)Our playground provides such unique play equipment as the Magic Keyboard and games of skill that are specifically designed to promote the down syndrome child development.It provides children with the security and the skill development opportunities that parents desire.
7)The playground will be filled with many levels and corners, this makes the playground lively and the down syndrome children would be happy. This also boost the child's confidence in climbing each level.
8)A treehouse would be located at the top of the playground. THe children would be able to climb to it to have a bird's eye view from the top and this will boost the child's confidence of heights. This part we got from the bridge to terabithia.
9)Our playground would be eco-friendly as we are indoor and our materials used are eco-friendly.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Introduction of our playground
Welcome to our playground, let us give you a introduction of our playground. The main purpose of the playground is to allow the down syndrome children to have fun and improving their social skills as well as balancing and learning skills. We have chosen the treehouse theme for the playground and the tag line is ' Everyone can have fun'. We chosen the theme as we were inspired by the book,"Bridge To Terabithia". The playground structure would be huge and it would be located inside a building. The playground would be considered as an indoor playground and would have air-conditioning . The playground would have new facilities such as safety features, music-playing buttons, colourful backgrounds to help the down syndrome kids to learn better. The safety features which includes padded floorings, ball pit and nylon "spider web" wall to prevent children from falling and getting themselves injured. We felt that the playground will allow the children to make more friends and it would be an ideal place for them to have fun. It will also be a place where the down syndrome children forget all about their disabilities.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Pictures of Indoor Playgrounds
Hey all this is Joshua, I've been browsing the net for pictures and have come by quite a few good pictures. This are all indoor playgrounds, the type of playground we are going to focus on for this project.
Some Comments:
This playground is very innovative and creative. It suits our design as it is indoor and have a treehouse and natural atmosphere. It has many colourful design and it looks fun for children.
Some Comments:
This playground is very innovative and creative. It suits our design as it is indoor and have a treehouse and natural atmosphere. It has many colourful design and it looks fun for children.
This playground is very innovative and creative. It suits our design as it is indoor and have a treehouse and natural atmosphere. It has many colourful design and it looks fun for children.
Posted by Aaron
I felt that this playground suits the down syndrome children as it have many safety precautions such as the nylon web. This is very similar to our playground as it has many tunnels like features.
Posted by Gavin
The overall of the playground is good as it is interesting and innovative. I felt that the structure is also quite safe as there are padded floor and there is no sharp edges. It is also very colourful to attract down syndrome children and other children.
Posted by Wynner.
The playground has design that are similar to the bridge to terabithia as it has a treehouse. I felt that the playground can improved the skills of any down syndrome as the playground look very interesting and fun.
Posted by Chuan Yin.
Requirements for PlayGround!
Requirements. for our play-ground
Playgrounds provide kids with fun and exercise, but they can also pose some safety hazards.
We can make the playground both fun and safe by following a few of this guidelines. Oh yea, and since we're making a playground for children with downs syndrome, There are also additional safety features.
Stuff to make sure that playground of yours is safe
STUFF NOT FOR YOUR PLEYGROUND!
Cause playgrounds like those aren't really dangerous haha and plus their fun.
Playgrounds provide kids with fun and exercise, but they can also pose some safety hazards.
We can make the playground both fun and safe by following a few of this guidelines. Oh yea, and since we're making a playground for children with downs syndrome, There are also additional safety features.
Safety Guidelines
1)Surface
A proper playground surface is one of the most important factors in reducing injuries - and the severity of injuries - that occur when kids fall from equipment.
In other words if we put kids in a playground like a padded cell, they don't ever get hurt. I think.
Here are some things to consider:
- Concrete, asphalt, and blacktop is bad cause its like, HARD.
- Playground surface should be clear of any thing that err, sticks out cause it makes children fall, lol.
- NO SHARP/POINTY OBJECTS!
- Playground surfaces like those rubber porous stuff are safe, but I fell off the monkey bars (lol i climed onto it) once and rubbed the skin off my nose (which hurt like hell), so, WE SHOULD USE THE SPONGEY MATS( 30x BIGGER!, THE MATS WHERE WE DO SITUPS ON?) FOR FLOOR SURFACING!
Oh yea, and I read something and it says SURFACING DON'T PREVENT ALL INJURIES, and it also depends on how high the kid falls.
2)Design
Playgrounds are designed for different age groups. Play areas for smaller kiddies are usually separated from them older kids.Stuff to make sure that playground of yours is safe
- Handrails/ Protective rails for elevated areas/ ramps/ stairs
- Swings, seesaws, and other equipment with moving parts should be located in an area separate from the rest of the playground.
- NO MORE THAN 1 person on a swing at a time.
- Toddlers shuld have their own little play area. AWAY FROM THE BIG KIDZ.
- NO Little SPACES WHERE CHILDREN LIMBS/HEADS OR BODYPARTS CAN TO GET STUCK TO~
- No areas where kids put their hands/fingers in to get crushed. Like at the merry go round thing.
STUFF NOT FOR YOUR PLEYGROUND!
The following types of equipment are not safe for playgrounds:
- Those weird swings shaped like animals
- 2 seater swings
- Any rope that CAN STRANGLE YOUR KID.
- Thse rings-the round ones that men with six packs use for inclined pull ups.
- monkey bars(Kids fall off these all the time.)
- trampolines(Kids can fall of and hurt themselves)
Cause playgrounds like those aren't really dangerous haha and plus their fun.
WHAT IS A DOWN SYNDROME CHILD???
Many people think that down syndrome children are retarded but, actually they are just the same as any children. The only thing that is different is that they are slower and not as bright as normal children. Individuals with Down syndrome tend to have a lower than average cognitive ability, often ranging from mild to moderate learning disabilities. A small number have severe to profound mental disability. Most individuals with Down syndrome have mental retardation in the mild (IQ 50–70) to moderate (IQ 35–50) range, with individuals having Mosaic Down syndrome (explained below) typically 10–30 points higher. In addition, individuals with Down syndrome can have little ranging to severe abnormalities affecting any body system. They also may have a broad head and a very round face. In other words their just normal kids, just that their not as bright as others.
WHAT DEFINES A PLAYGROUND..
A playground is an area designed for children to play freely. Basically, a playground is a a place where children, including down syndrome kids, have fun and improve their skills such as social skills. Modern playgrounds often have recreational equipment such as the see-saw, merry-go-round, swingset, slide, climber, walking bridge, jungle gym, chin-up bars, sandbox, spring rider, monkey bars, overhead ladder, trapeze rings, playhouses, and maze, many of which help children develop physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, as well as providing recreation and enjoyment. Common in modern playgrounds are "play structures" that link many different pieces of equipment.
"Public" playground equipment refers to equipment intended for use in the play areas of parks, schools, child care facilities, institutions, multiple family dwellings, restaurants, resorts, and recreational developments, and other areas of public use.
A type of playground called a playscape is designed to provide a safe environment for play in a natural setting.
"Public" playground equipment refers to equipment intended for use in the play areas of parks, schools, child care facilities, institutions, multiple family dwellings, restaurants, resorts, and recreational developments, and other areas of public use.
A type of playground called a playscape is designed to provide a safe environment for play in a natural setting.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
So what we first did.
So first we had Aaron bring all the papers and we discussed. We discussed for like, 30 minutes. Then we go pick out down syndrome kids as our topic, as they are cool. no, seriously. And thats cause we thinks that it is easiest to do as they have the least physical/mental/social problems than those other groups of kids.And further mroe we already have a retard(Strawberry Cake) in our class so we could base our designs of the playgrounds on him. we discussed more at the computer lab and i made this blog than we did not have any more ideas so i played computer games in the lab instead of doing work.
to summarize this load of... well stuff...
WE CHOSE THE DOWN'S SYNDROME KIDS TO WORK ON~
to summarize this load of... well stuff...
WE CHOSE THE DOWN'S SYNDROME KIDS TO WORK ON~
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Topic: Playground for Down Syndrome Kids
Quoted From the piece of paper that I lost:
"A charitable organization has offered a startup fund of S$999k to any team that is able to come up with an award winning design to build a playground catered to primary school children with special needs. Your playground needs to be inspired by your reading of the novel, Bridge to Terabithia.
You and your team mates (group 5-6) are compassionate budding architects and you have taken up this challenge of designing a creative yet educational playground for these children at your own expense. You may select, from among the following, ONE target group of children to base your design on:
a) visually impaired children
b) physically handicapped children
c) children with down syndrome
d) children with non-contagious, but terminal illnesses
e) abused children with emotional scars
You need to do your research on the respective needs of your target group and design the most creative, yet need-sensitive playground and come up with a proposal in order to clinch the deal.
You need to present your proposal before the Present of the charitable organization (aka your Lit teacher) and fellow rival architects (aka your classmates) by the 6th week of Term 2, in the form of a model, alongside your research, sketches, descriptions of functions, proposed materials and budget, and any other relevant details.
You should incorporate ideas which have been insipred from your reading of Bridge to Terabithia, (E.g. Qualities of the secret 'kingdom' that Jess and Leslie were rulers of, how Jess built his confidence in this playland etc) and explain how your reading of the novel has inspired the design of the playground.
This project is worth S$999k, and more importantly, 100% of your SA1.
All the best!"
Oke so basically what we have to do is design a playground and make a model, and pass up all the design ideas and stuff to Mrs Boi.
"A charitable organization has offered a startup fund of S$999k to any team that is able to come up with an award winning design to build a playground catered to primary school children with special needs. Your playground needs to be inspired by your reading of the novel, Bridge to Terabithia.
You and your team mates (group 5-6) are compassionate budding architects and you have taken up this challenge of designing a creative yet educational playground for these children at your own expense. You may select, from among the following, ONE target group of children to base your design on:
a) visually impaired children
b) physically handicapped children
c) children with down syndrome
d) children with non-contagious, but terminal illnesses
e) abused children with emotional scars
You need to do your research on the respective needs of your target group and design the most creative, yet need-sensitive playground and come up with a proposal in order to clinch the deal.
You need to present your proposal before the Present of the charitable organization (aka your Lit teacher) and fellow rival architects (aka your classmates) by the 6th week of Term 2, in the form of a model, alongside your research, sketches, descriptions of functions, proposed materials and budget, and any other relevant details.
You should incorporate ideas which have been insipred from your reading of Bridge to Terabithia, (E.g. Qualities of the secret 'kingdom' that Jess and Leslie were rulers of, how Jess built his confidence in this playland etc) and explain how your reading of the novel has inspired the design of the playground.
This project is worth S$999k, and more importantly, 100% of your SA1.
All the best!"
Oke so basically what we have to do is design a playground and make a model, and pass up all the design ideas and stuff to Mrs Boi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)