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New schoolyard design guide

ISGA Leadership Council member Laura Newman launches a new guide for Maine (USA) schools

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A collaboration between Learning by Nature leader Laura Newman and landscape designer Sashie Misner has resulted in a comprehensive illustrated and accessible guide to schoolyard design, aimed at Maine schools, but with clear application to any primary or elementary school. Subjects covered include

  • What Happened to Play?

  • How The outdoor space is “the Third Teacher”

  • Choosing Affordances

  • Effective Layout and Placement

  • Evaluating and Mapping your Site

  • Budgeting and Planning a Timeline

  • Construction, Maintenance & Use

  • Engaging your community in the process

There are numerous illustrations, diagrams, printable resources and case study examples and the book makes a strong case for the importance of play at school. Using a participative model means children and young people can be meaningfully involved in change at their school and the guide has sections on choosing building materials and plants and how to decide what's needed in the school grounds.


The book can be downloaded as a free PDF - visit the link below and complete the short form so that Laura and the project's funding team can keep track of how this essential guide is being distributed.


17 Comments

Mike
Oct 24

Such an insightful and pleasant article to read! I appreciate how it keeps things relatable. If you’re into chic, show-inspired apparel, Vanson Jackets is worth exploring. They’ve got a beautiful The Diplomat S02 Keri Russell Down Shirt — it captures that subtle, confident look perfectly.

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Julie
Oct 23

What a thoughtful guide this is exploring how to design a schoolyard with intention, purpose, and community insight brought me back to a time I was executing a massive assignment, full of ideas but lacking direction. That’s when I decided to hire UK assignment editor, not to hand the work over, but to bring someone in who could help me structure the journey, smooth the transitions, and let my voice shine with clarity and confidence.

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Olivia
Oct 23

Really enjoyed your post the way you focus on thoughtful design and the impact it can have on a space reminds me of a moment when I was feeling completely swamped by coursework and unsure how to move forward. I ended up choosing to lean on some online exam help, not as a way to avoid the work, but so I could catch a breath, regain focus, and then engage more fully with the material. Thanks for sharing this it’s a great reminder that giving ourselves the right kind of support can empower our next steps.

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John. Snow
Oct 23

I found the guide on International School Grounds Alliance titled New Schoolyard Design Guide quite compelling, it lays out how outdoor spaces can become third teachers, involves students in design decisions, and gives practical tips on layout, materials, budgeting and community engagement. Meanwhile, I’ve also browsed the site of The Online Class Help and it covers how students can navigate academic demands with options across many subjects. Both resources show the value of thoughtful design, whether of learning environments or of coursework strategies, without pushing a hard sell.

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