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Recess the Hidden Key To Stronger Schools

By Dr Melinda Bossenmeyer



It’s mid-morning on the school playground. The air is crisp, and a light wind whips across the blacktop as children scatter into their favorite recess games. Some cluster near the swings, others grab a basketball, and a group is playing games on some game markings like 4-square and around the world. Within minutes, a dispute breaks out over whose turn it is on the slide. A teacher aide observes—not to lecture or scold—but watch as students play Rock, Paper & Scissors to solve their problem. Soon the children are laughing again, their conflict resolved by a quick method used in the Peaceful Playgrounds Program. From the principal’s office window, this scene may look like ordinary play. But in reality, it’s a live lesson in negotiation, patience, resilience, and empathy which carries out through out the school day. Most educators understand that “Recess is not a “break” from learning. It is learning—just as critical as reading groups or math centers.”[1]

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

Start planning your playground transformation now!

Are you tired of playground arguments and confrontations?

Post recess discipline issues steal away a principal’s time and classroom teaching opportunities. 

Principals across the nation have turned to Peaceful Playgrounds Recess Program for over 25 years to solve these problems.

Principals love it, because less conflict on the playground means they get to focus on the work that matters.

Teachers love it, because kids come back from recess ready to learn after getting a break & physical activity.

Playground Supervisors love it which means less turnover of supervisors in schools, based on research on implementing the playground.

Kids love it because they have a fun colorful playground with over 100 games and activities to choose from.

Join the thousands of schools across the nation that have implemented the Peaceful Playgrounds Recess Program. Want to get started today? Order Now or request a quote.

This is exactly why Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer created the Peaceful Playgrounds Recess Program so schools can transform recess from chaotic to calm using simple, research-backed strategies that work immediately.

Want to know how to get started?

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.

February 2026 Winner

Brandon Castor



Bridge Street Elementary, MA

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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