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Making the Case for Longer Recess

By Dr Melinda Bossenmeyer



As school leaders we’re constantly striving to create learning environments where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We meticulously analyze curriculum, teaching strategies, and assessment data, but sometimes, the most impactful change can be found in something as seemingly simple as recess. This article argues for a longer recess period, outlining the significant benefits it offers students, teachers, and the overall school climate.

The Case for a Longer Recess

A longer recess provides more opportunities for these crucial developmental processes to unfold naturally. Imagine a group of students collaboratively building a fort, navigating disagreements about design, and celebrating their shared accomplishment. This isn’t just play; it’s applied learning in action.

Furthermore, physical activity during recess is vital for children’s physical health. Childhood obesity rates remain a serious concern, and extended periods of sedentary behavior contribute significantly. A longer recess encourages more vigorous activity, helping students develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Running, jumping, and playing tag are not just fun; they’re essential for cardiovascular health, muscle development, and overall well-being.

Course Description

The Peaceful Playgrounds Online Playground Supervisor Training is designed to introduce administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, physical educators, parents, after-school personnel, and playground supervisors to the responsibilities and techniques associated with keeping children safe on a playground.

This course details playground surfacing, play structure, safety, and playground supervision.

Why is this Course Important?

An average of 15-17 children die each year from playground accidents in the U.S., with 56% from strangulation and 20% from falls. Playgrounds represent the single largest location category for elementary school injuries, accounting for roughly one-third of all school injuries.

"In every single playground injury case I’ve worked on over 25 years, negligent supervision has been a contributing factor in the lawsuit. Proper supervision is the basic duty of care schools owe to the children in their charge." - Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer

ONLINE COURSE OPTIONS

Playground Supervisor Training

Bullying Prevention Training

Grant Writing Course

Recess Before Lunch Training

Pedometer Walking Program Training

**NEW Course Bundle**

$2,250

How to Have A Peaceful Playground

Low Cost, High Activity Playground

Playground and Strategies for Improving Recess

Kids get excited for recess when they have a colorful blacktop and markings burned into the grass area. When they have over 100 games and markings the playground is no longer boring, with only 4 game options.

Kids operate on out of site - out of mind, and they don't remember what games they can play. What are my options? They don't have to remember when painted markings are their visual reminder.

Principals love it, because when kids are spread out around the full space of the playground there's less conflict on the playground. This means they get to focus on the work that matters. 

Playground Supervisors love it because there’s less tattling on the playground, (which drove them crazy and led to high turnover of supervisors in schools.)

With the Peaceful Playgrounds Program kit you can design permanent playground activities that help make activity time more positive and productive: alphabet and number grids, hopping and skipping lines, and multi-use circles and squares are just a few of the nearly 100 game activities that can be permanently painted on the playground.

The Peaceful Playgrounds Program kit is intended to maximize the number of students involved in physical activity, rather than having them wait in line, or just stand around talking.

• Fully utilize your playground space - add games to blacktop and grass
• Increase staff retention of playground supervisors by reducing tattling
• teach conflict resolution skills to eliminate constant fights and arguments on the playground
• more physically active kids
• 
  

The Peaceful Playgrounds Program is a nationally recognized and award-winning physical activity program touching nearly 2 million children annually for over 28 years!

Contact us. We can assist you with brochures, estimate and everything you need to get started today.

(951) 245-6970 or officestaff@peacefulplaygrounds.com

The Peaceful Playgrounds Program is a nationally recognized and award-winning physical activity program touching nearly 4 million children annually for over 28 years!

Recess is a right, not a reward. Withholding play harms children’s ability to focus, self-regulate, and engage in class. Positive behavior systems work better than taking recess away.

Fundamental Movement Program

allows you to create an outdoor motor learning lab painted on preschool and elementary school playgrounds for preschool children. An easy, do-it-yourself layout plan transforms your play space into a colorful arrangement of learning games and motor skills activities.

You can teach movement skills like jumping, balancing, hopping and more.

Active Kids. Confident Educators. Zero PE Experience Needed.

YOU'LL LOVE IT BECAUSE:

No Prep, No Stress

Just open and teach—each activity is ready to go with step-by-step instructions and visual guides.

Confidence for Non-PE Teachers

Build your skills while helping kids develop strength, coordination, balance, and focus.

Any Space, Any Time

Works in classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds—or wherever you have room to move!

You can choose the Full Kit which includes options for painting the blacktop or the option for the Curriculum minus painting.

March 2026 Winner

Cathi Dallesander



North Street School, CT

Enter your school today in the "Learn to Play" US Map Playground Map Stencil Giveaway. The beautiful geographically and proportionately accurate educational map stencil is 20 feet by 36 feet and extends the classroom curriculum to recess and outdoor play. History and geography come alive with the games and activities included in the stencil set.

You might be the next winner. Good Luck!

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