HOME | STORE | PROGRAMS | E-LEARNING | GRANTS | TOOLKITS

 

Supervision on the playground - one incident can impact the entire school

Dear Principal,



As a former elementary school principal, I understand the daily challenges of recess and the responsibility of keeping children safe on the playground.


Every day was a headache...and I knew something had to change.


So I created a plan.


Instead of reacting to problems after they happened, we focused on preventing them before they occurred. By improving playground supervision, clarifying expectations, and giving supervisors the tools and training they needed, we transformed recess into a safer, more positive experience for students and staff.


In my article, "Ensuring Playground Safety," I share practical strategies that any school can implement, including:

  • 3 Steps Principals Can Take to Improve Playground Safety
  • Legal perspectives of a playground Injury.
  • A Principal's Responsibility for Playground Safety
  • and some resources


If recess has become one of the most stressful parts of your school day, I encourage you to take a few minutes to read the article. Even implementing one or two of these strategies can make a significant difference.


Students can suffer life-changing injuries on playgrounds, and school districts can face multi-million-dollar lawsuits as a result of serious playground injury cases. That’s why effective playground supervision training is so important. Proper training helps staff recognize hazards, actively supervise students, respond appropriately to risky behavior, and take proactive steps to help prevent serious injuries before they happen.

Cover-Letter-1-400x533 image

Your students deserve a safe, positive recess, and your staff deserves a plan that works.

Wishing you a successful school year,


Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer

The Recess Doctor

Former School Principal

Peaceful Playgrounds, Inc.



P.S. Playground injuries and supervision issues don't just affect student safety—they can also increase school liability. The article includes practical steps principals can take now to protect both students and their schools before an incident occurs

 
 
 

Playground supervision plays a critical role in keeping all kids safe at school.  Yet, only a small number of playground supervisors receive any training on their roles and responsibilities. It is not uncommon as a result of the lack of training injuries occur. But proactive supervision and planning can reduce the likelihood of an injury that results in the threat of a lawsuit because of inadequate playground supervision.

 
 
 
 

If you want an easy recess

Investing In Training your Supervisors

We offer two trainings for Recess:



1) How to Have a Peaceful Playground - recess management techniques for the 5 problems most schools face nationwide.


2) Playground Supervision Training - what are the legal responsibilities of Supervisors and how do you keep students safe at recess.

 
 
 


Want a Safe Playground?

Peaceful Playgrounds Recess Program is the Solution.


The Peaceful Playgrounds Recess Program transforms chaotic play areas into structured, inclusive, and safe environments. By clearly marking out designated game zones and providing staff with consistent training and behavior expectations, the program reduces playground conflicts and injuries. With over 100 easy-to-implement games and activities, students stay engaged and active, which naturally decreases unsafe or unsupervised behavior. The result is a calmer, more organized recess that promotes cooperation, reduces discipline issues, and ensures every child has a place to play.


RESEARCH SHOWS:

The 43% of playground injuries are going to or coming from the playground. We have a management system that addresses this issue within the program.

 

The recess program is low-cost, affordable, easy to implement and you can start now!


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

 

 
 
 
 

Courts don’t judge you by your intentions. They ask one simple question: What would a reasonably prudent organization or playground supervisor do?

The answer that changes everything: A reasonably prudent school doesn’t place untrained adults in charge of children’s safety.

When lawsuits are filed, attorneys subpoena your training records, hunting for evidence of “inadequate supervision.” Without documented training, you’ve likely handed them their case. Most negligence findings list inadequate supervision as a contributing factor.

 
 
 
 

TRAINING PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS CAN REDUCE INJURIES

 
 
 

School Playground Marking Stencils


RROS-Active-Play-Everywhere-1200x655 image
 

Direct Links to our Most Popular Programs: 

Recess Program 

Fundamental Movement

Jogging Walking Track

Fitness Fun Zone Trail


 
 
 
TikTok  Instagram  YouTube  Web
 

Peaceful Playgrounds | 603B East Daugherty, | Webb City, MO 64870 US