64 Alternatives to Withholding Recess

Given the value of recess in a student’s physical and social development, and the need for periodic breaks from classroom instruction, using recess as punishment is inappropriate. Listed below are some alternatives to withholding recess. ZERO-COST ALTERNATIVES 1. Sit by friends 2. Watch a video 3. Read outdoors 4. Teach the class 5. Have extra [...]

By |2023-09-14T11:45:31-07:00March 1st, 2013|Featured Articles, Recess|0 Comments

Structured vs Unstructured Recess

Most Students Deserve An Unstructured Recess Experience Today I received a phone call from a second-grade teacher. She indicated that she had a behavior challenged child (frequent discipline issues) and was growing pretty frustrated with him. In response to Jeremy (not his real name), who was hitting kids, pushing kids, and causing chaos at recess, [...]

By |2022-07-01T09:39:45-07:00February 22nd, 2013|Featured Articles, Recess|0 Comments

School Recess: When Is It Too Cold To Go Out To Recess?

School Recess: When Is It Too Cold To Go Out To Recess? Part of the Inclement Weather Series 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 [...]

Playground Research

Playground Research Scientific Research Review Playground Markings Research Playground markings are currently a popular intervention strategy in the increasing epidemic of childhood obesity. Numerous playground research studies have shown that playground markings increase children’s physical activity levels at recess. Scientifically based research cited in the [...]

By |2022-12-15T12:43:32-08:00January 17th, 2013|About, Research|0 Comments

Eliminate School Recess? California State University San Marcos

Eliminate School Recess? Let's Skip It! Melinda Bossenmeyer, Ed.D. California State University San Marcos Every decade or so educators stumble upon a really bad idea. The elimination of school recess is one such current example. Citing valid, yet, inconveniencing reasons such as liability concerns, supervision hardships, and the pressure to increase academic achievement, some educators [...]

Peaceful Playgrounds Reduction In Playground Problems

How to have a Peaceful Playground - 1999 Aria Lopez-Rosende Principal, Pioneer Elementary I first learned about Peaceful Playgrounds (PP) as a classroom teacher over 10 years ago and heard about the resulting  reduction in playground problems. Then I became I Principal of Pioneer Elementary in Escondido and realized that with a playground of [...]

Recess Program Reduces Playground Conflicts and Rough Play

South Elementary School Web Parents Information - 2001 Parents Information Website - 2001 Illinois - South School has utilized the Peaceful Playgrounds Program successfully for the past two years. This program, developed by Melinda Bossenmeyer, Ed.D. has had a great impact playground conflicts and rough play  during recess time. Playground conflicts and rough play have been reduced to [...]

North School PTA Organizing School Playground into a Peaceful Playground

A School Recess Like It's Suppose To Be By Jane Long The Breeze-Courier September 2003 North School PTA organizes school into a Peaceful Playground which reduced playground problems and conflicts. Taylorville - A playground - it's supposed to provide young students with a time to release pent up energy after sitting at [...]

By |2021-06-16T21:10:55-07:00January 8th, 2013|Newspapers Articles|0 Comments

Bellview’s New Playground Design

 September 2003 Sample school playground design by Peaceful Playgrounds. By Lynn Atkins Rogers Hometown News At Bellview Elementary, the newest tool for teachers measures 40 feet by 100 feet.  It's their new school playground design by Peaceful Playgrounds.  It's also the perfect example of teamwork between the school, the parents and the city, [...]

More Fun with Productive Play During Outdoor Recess

By Jane Long The Breeze-Courier October 2003 Students enjoy outdoor recess with lots of playground game choices. Taylorville - Four third-grade students at North Elementary School urgently request bean bags from the school playground supervisor in order to play hopscotch as outdoor recess starts on a bright sunny day. They grab the bags, run to [...]

Bringing Peace to the School Playground

Redlands Daily Facts August 2004 Students play on school playground new target games. In 1973, an idea struck Los Angeles educator Melinda Bossenmeyer after years of being a teacher and a principal within the Riverside County Department of Education. "I noticed that some kids didn't have many of the skills necessary to [...]

Playground Games Cuts Down on Injuries and Resolves Conflicts

Kane County Chronicle[jwplayer mediaid="874"] September 2004 The action was fast-paced as fifth-graders at Wild Rose Elementary School learned the rules of new playground games. Bean bag four square involves tossing and catching a bean bag with a scoop. "It's fun because it's very athletic," student Cameron Staroske said. The rules to the playground games are [...]

The New Rules – Playground Monitors Emphasize Behavior Expectations

 January 2005 The new rules and behavior expectations. New behavior expectations state, "go down the slide only on your bottom." Corvallis Gazette-Times As a second-grader slips down the covered slide at Philomath's Clemens Primary School on his tummy Thursday morning, school behavior assistant Cheri Stouder blows her whistle. Stouder has been watching [...]

New school recess program awaits at Olmsted School

New school year new school recess program. By Paula Vogler Easton Journal - Easton, MA August 26, 2005 A new school playground for students at the Olmsted School, and cleaned and landscaped grounds at both the Richardson and Olmsted Schools will enhance the excitement for school recess for those returning to classes in September. Olmsted [...]

By |2022-10-18T07:34:04-07:00January 8th, 2013|Newspapers Articles|0 Comments

Playground Markings Boost Physical Activity

By Cheri Carlson Ventura County Star Newspaper October 2007 New playground game markings boost physical activity. New playground game markings boost physical activity at Camarillo school.  Getting students active is a goal of most schools since the majority of students in elementary school do not get the 60 minutes a day of recommended physical activity. [...]