About schoolyards for thought
Redesigning the Schoolyard Experience
Lead by Dr. Lauren McNamara, Schoolyards for Thought is a collaborative,
systems-change initiative made up of a diverse team of researchers, school leaders,
child health practitioners, NGOs, and students. Our goal is to ensure that all schoolyards:
- Prioritize equity, inclusion, and accessibility
- Support vibrant play and social interaction
- Foster rich outdoor learning
- Improve student well-being and school engagement
- Strengthen community connections
- Expand access to green and recreational spaces
- Increase biodiversity
- Mitigate climate impacts
We are continuing to build our website so others can learn more
about the science behind this important childhood space and how we can improve it.
about dr lauren mcnamara
Dr. Lauren McNamara is an education researcher, consultant, writer, and Ashoka Fellow based at the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Simon Fraser University and an MS in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.
Dr. McNamara has over 25 years of experience working with school boards in the U.S. and Canada and is a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s Working Group on Children and Schools. She is a well-published author of research studies, professional reports, and public commentary. She partners with practitioners, community organizations, and policy makers to advance change in the way we support and design our schoolyards.
