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Making the Case for a Longer Recess
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.
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The traditional view of recess as a break from learning is outdated.
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Neuroscience research reveals that play is not frivolous; it’s fundamental to cognitive development.[1]
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During play, children engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. [2]
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They negotiate rules, resolve conflicts, and practice social skills.[3]
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Essential life skills that are difficult to teach solely through direct instruction. [4]
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Classroom Activities
The case for a longer recess
1) 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.
2) 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.
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THE RECESS PROGRAM THAT WORKS! | |
Principals love it, because less conflict on the playground 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.)
Kids love it because they have a fun colorful playground with over 100 games and activities to choose from.
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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 27 years!
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Testimonial for Recess Program Ericka Barrett Nathan Hale Elementary | |
WANT TO ADD GAMES TO YOUR PLAYGROUND? | |
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RECESS ROLL OUT STENCIL SET
(6 GAMES)
6 of our more popular markings for getting children involved in recess games. When kids are involved in games, you have fewer problems. Game Markings include Hopscotch, Number Line, Multi-Use Circle, Four Square, Ball Hopscotch, and Target.
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PE ROLL OUT STENCILS
(10 STENCILS)
10 markings for teaching physical education or recess. Game Markings include Ladder, Vari-Beam, Block Walk, Midline and Crossover Walking Grids, Beam, Hopscotch, Beanbag Toss, Alphabet and Number Grids.
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SENSORY PATHWAYS (6 STENCILS)
This Sensory Pathways Set comes with 5 stencils and a set of task cards to add an instructional component. It introduces easy and challenging movement experiences. The set includes Instructional Task Cards, Vocabulary Cards, Assessment Cards, Extension Activities, and At Home Parent Cards and Activities.
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Play Nice! Equipment Fun Pack Contest
Enter to Win!
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Play Nice! Equipment Fun Pack Contest
Enter your school today in the Play Nice! Equipment Fun Pack Contest.
Share a picture of you doing something fun on your playground with the hashtag, #playnicefunpack and #peacefulplaygrounds for an extra entry.
This Equipment pack includes 42 pieces of equipment. This equipment pack can be used at recess for each grade level, in Physical Education class, before/after school programs.
which includes 6 of each:
- junior footballs,
- junior basketballs,
- soccer balls,
- official volleyballs
- playground balls,
- along with assorted color cones
- and mesh bags
This package is appropriate for elementary schools.
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MARCH Winner
Shawn Comfort - Cook-Wissahickon Elementary, PA
Please contact the office to collect your prize T:951.245.6970 or officestaff@peacefulplaygrounds.com
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Direct Links to our Most Popular Programs
Need Assistance??? officestaff@peacefulplaygrounds.com
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