We work to offer you valuable free resources in every newsletter. If you no longer want to receive this email, you can Unsubscribe.

We've been noticing full districts getting blocked from our newsletters, so you might want to consider adding your personal email address or having your district add us to the safelist...

When Is It Too Cold for Recess

By Dr Melinda Bossenmeyer

Indoor or Outdoor Recess?

When the weather outside is frightful outdoor recess on the playground may not be delightful. Just ask any playground supervisor.

Outdoor recess, however, is a reality and daily decisions about “how cold is too cold” is something site principals, teachers, and day care directors will be making during the winter months. Snow, wind and icy conditions make deciding when to let kids go out and play a difficult decision.

Administrators make the call.

According to the Department of Education, there isn’t a national standard for keeping kids indoors for school recess. Consequently, site principals often make this decision based on local situations.

Original Content & Methodology © Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer. Media formatting generated by AI. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Over the last 25 years we've been gathering research, tools, articles you may find helpful. The content library just had a refresh and we want to make sure you're aware of these free resources!

ONLINE COURSE OPTIONS

How to Have A Peaceful Playground

Playground Supervisor Training

Bullying Prevention Training

Grant Writing Course

Recess Before Lunch Training

Low Cost, High Activity Playground

Playground and Strategies for Improving Recess

Pedometer Walking Program Training

PLAN NOW FOR A SAFE & PEACEFUL RECESS

You might find recess at your school feels like a free-for-all. Kids are constantly fighting about game rules. Others are bored because there’s not enough to do. Parents are demanding more recess, but it’s become your least favorite time of day.

You want to focus on your work as an administrator or teacher, not manage conflicts that spill into the classroom or end with a line of students waiting outside your door for discipline.

It’s not your fault.

Most schools were never given the tools or structures to create a safe, engaging recess environment.

Staff supervising recess often haven’t been trained in conflict prevention or playground safety.

Kids are expected to “just go play,” even though many don’t know rules, boundaries, or how to navigate group games.

And with limited time, tight schedules, and growing behavioral needs, recess problems usually feel inevitable.

But they’re not.

With the right structure, consistent rules, and staff who know how to prevent conflicts before they happen, recess becomes one of the easiest parts of the day instead of the most stressful.

What’s possible instead:

• Students know the rules and how to resolve disagreements quickly
• Staff feel confident, prepared, and supported
• Fewer office referrals and fewer classroom disruptions
• A safer, more organized playground where every child has something to do
• A school culture where recess contributes to learning instead of taking away from it

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.

It might be cold or snowy now, but plan now so when the snow melts you can implement the program and have it fully up and running within weeks!

With new implementation resources like an updated guide and new implementation presentation it's EASIER THAN EVER!

Our Recess Program has been a best selling program for over 25 years because IT WORKS!

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.

January 2025 Winner

Hayden Weber



Huber Ridge Elementary, OH

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!

"Stay connected with us! Ensure you never miss important updates by adding our website/email to your district's safe list."