Seven Things You Can Do to Save Recess   by Rae Pica

"I’ve discovered that my son’s school is abusing the daily recess time and I want to do something about it….His teachers are using recess to punish kids. For example, if they either forget to bring in homework or fail to do it, they miss recess. If they misbehave, they miss recess. Any of his teachers have the power to deny recess..."

- Father of a 5th-grade student

 

"Today I was taken out of class and called before the principal and his assistant to be questioned about my practice of rewarding good behavior and hard work with “extra recess.” I was told I am NO LONGER allowed to do this except as a very rare exception as our students have a short enough day as it is….HELP!!!"

- 3rd-grade teacher

At the beginning of every new school year, more and more parents discover that recess is disappearing from the landscape of their children’s school days. If this is the case for you – and you’ve seen the impact it has on your child – following are seven steps you can take to fight this trend.

1. Do your homework. First, find out about recess at your child’s school. Do they have it? How often does it occur? How long does it last? What happens on the playground? Find out from other parents what their children are experiencing. Are children ever kept from recess? Why?

2. Be sensitive. When talking with your child’s classroom teacher, remember that most teachers today are under tremendous pressure to achieve nearly impossible objectives. They could use a break, too!

3. Don’t go it alone. One concerned parent can be considered a rabble-rouser, but several concerned parents have influence. Recruit the parents of your children’s friends and classmates. Contact the president of the schools’ parent or parent/teacher organization to discuss your concerns. With the help of the association, set up a meeting with the school’s principal.

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