Editor:
1. Each child in a school would be given a tennis ball for their use, and would inscribe it with their initials.
2. Skill testing of a simple kind could precede the distribution of the balls, followed by skill testing prior to the end of the school year (my bet is that there would be major improvement, if the daily use of tennis balls in informal settings was encouraged).
3. Some written testimonials to the benefits of such involvement by kids, parents and teachers following the program would be important.
I believe that we need to find ways to bring about a realization and appreciation about the benefits of play. It is not easy to convince adults of the huge values of these simple yet profound ways of getting children and youth to become involved in the world of play. This simple approach can have huge benefits!
Dr Gary Pennington
Professor emeritus, UBC
Roberts Creek
