The first school in the United States to use Snug play equipment was the Bright School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Bright School is an independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. It was identified as an initial test site and partnership
for feedback because the school is committed to “creating learning environment designed
to stimulate critical thinking, creative inquiry, and intellectual achievement.” PlayCore partnered with Bright to get critical feedback on how Snug will benefit children in learning environments in the United States.
The physical education program at Bright is extremely progressive, and the teachers craft
the curriculum to cover multiple areas of physical activity, health, wellness, and creativity. Their unique approach allows all children to discover the type of activity that they enjoy.
The PE teachers, Jim Blair and Jan Connell, welcomed the opportunity to incorporate the Snug play equipment into both PE class and recess. The teachers first introduced the
students to the Snug play equipment by giving them time to explore the equipment through free play. Jim Blair commented, “At first I thought the Snug play equipment was primarily
for the younger children, but when I saw the 5th graders use the equipment, I could see that they were truly engaged in play and enjoyed building and being creative with the equipment. It can truly be used for all age groups.”
After the initial introduction to the equipment, the teachers wanted to incorporate it into their PE class while also encouraging the children to work together and collaborate. The students created their own obstacle course and route of travel under, over, and around the paths that they built. By incorporating multiple movements into the course, the children exercised multiple muscle groups and practiced the skills they had learned. Jan Connell said, “By creating their own obstacle courses, the children had the opportunity to work together, share ideas, and be creative during PE.”
The traditional classroom teachers at the Bright school also brought the children to the play area to use the Snug equipment for recess as well as activities that connect to the school curriculum. Some examples of the classroom activities were using the Snug equipment to create math patterns as well as acting out stories they had read in the classroom.
The feedback from the students at Bright was very positive after they had a chance to
experience playing with Snug. Observers could hear the children cooperating, and asking
each other for help creating new imaginative scenarios, rules, and games each day. Their excitement could be heard throughout the school yard where they were all engaged in
some sort of play with the Snug equipment. The overall feedback from the teachers,
students, and parents at the school was that the Snug equipment was a positive addition to the other learning and play opportunities offered at the school, and that it really improved the level of engagement and collaboration among the children during play time.