Recess? What Does It Mean to You?
KUOW is doing a story on the value of recess - to kids, to parents, to teachers. They would appreciate your thoughts. Here's a link to their site.
Tuesday Open Thread
The speaker list is up for the Board meeting tomorrow; not as packed as I thought with just four people on the waitlist. The majority of the speakers are speaking on high school boundaries (with several wanting to talk about Ballard High). There are only three of us speaking about the Green Dot resolution asking the City to not grant the zoning departures that Green Dot has requested. It's me, long-time watchdog, Chris Jackins, and the head of the Washington State Charter Schools Association, Patrick D'Amelio. (I knew Mr. D'Amelio when he headed the Alliance for Education and Big Brothers and Big Sisters; he's a stand-up guy.)
Comments
Invaluable.
I would never send my kid to an elementar school that limited or did not have recess. Never. Please SPS do not move in that direction.
I remember when my father did a sabbatical, I was a fifth grader, and we went to Newark, Delaware. I sat in the classroom, and around 10 or so, the bell rang, everyone got up and ran out, and I said, "what's that bell mean?". Another kid said, "It's recess, stupid!"
And I said, "Recess? Oh, right! I've read about that!"
So I established my reputation right away, you see: geeky kid who READS about recess. :-)
As for my kids, I think recess has been terrific for them, but the importance wanes as they get older.
younger - playing what's the time Mr Wolfie! And swinging on the monkey bars...
older - standing around on the tennis courts with a bunch of other girls (all girls high school), surreptitiously eying the boys from the all boys school next door, surreptitiously looking at us.... so funny!
Recess is important to socialization. Children learn to give and take, to make friends, to work out conflicts at recess.
Their bodies need to move for health. And there is lots of research about the connection between learning and movement. Spinning and balancing activities cement the connection between the hemispheres and also cement learning. If we were to really follow research and pursue academic success children would have more frequent brief breaks.
/ snark tag
I student taught in middle school, I teach in high school.
IF those kids were sent out to run up and down a good sized hill 6 times a day, over 2/3 of our discipline / craziness would go away.
My belief is based upon exactly ZERO scientific research, because anyone who thinks it is needed should go get a useful job. We are NOT evolved from desk people. Kids have a LOT of energy, they need to burn it off. Period.
BMM.
I would too would NEVER send my kids to an elementary without recess - I'd homeschool first or drive them to Shoreline.
Bathroom Break
Photocopier Machine Time
Email Check
Planning Session
Extra Practice for Struggling Students
Extracurricular Activities
COFFEE...did I say coffee?
Teaming Time
Momentary Decompression
Teachers Need This Time...
Recess is essential, preferably on grass/dirt, with trees, shrubs and flowers surrounding whatever play structure. I think the natural light and fresh air are just about as important as the freedom of movement, idea and voice.
Josh, I am a huge advocate for teachers having the freedom to take kids outside as they feel necessary as at your elementary. I also like the set recess schedule. It's a time to interact w/ kids and adults beyond a child's class. It also helps guarantee down-time, no matter the weather or upcoming tests.
I need recess in my adult day- a walk, a phone call, a coffee- a break from the work that continues. Good point about the labor laws, artemis.