School recess isn't just playtime; it's a golden opportunity to boost children's fitness, according to a new report.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation today released a report that puts school recess at the head of the class among opportunities to make students' school days more active.
But the report doesn't back a free-for-all melee on the playground. Instead, the Foundation says grown-ups need to get in the game, supervising fun recess activities that involve all kids.
Why school recess? Because it's usually offered every day, whereas physical education (PE) classes are only offered twice a week at some schools.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Revamping Recess For Kids' Fitness
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Peaceful Playgrounds : What's Cool at School News Video
Principal Pam Winfield credits a dedicated group of volunteers for transforming ordinary blacktop into an endless supply of games that can attract an entire classroom to share an activity.
Peaceful Playground is a concept developed by a former physical education teacher who wanted to create a safer and more inclusive play area for children.
In addition to providing more play opportunities for a relatively low cost, peaceful playground also encourages more interaction between students.
That creates more community, and less bullying.
View the VIDEO to see how it works. To learn more about Peaceful Playground, click on the link below.
http://wm.kare.gannett.edgestreams.net/news/news/092007_264904_coolschool_ka.wmv?213436524624
"Grants Lend a Hand to Public Schools"
www.myhometownhelper.com
General Mills is looking to lend a helping hand to neighborhoods nationwide with its "My Hometown Helper" grant program. Individuals from communities and organizations across America can submit a written essay of 250 words or less describing how the "My Hometown Helper" grant would help improve their community project.
Maximum Award: $15,000.
Eligibility: Requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal orcivic organization or public school.
Deadline: September 30, 2007.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Nominate your Physical Activity Programs
Are you implementing Peaceful Playgrounds or WE Count? Have they made a difference in getting your students physically active? If so, you might want to consider working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the CDC in allowing them to collect data on your school's program/s.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the CDC are seeking nominations for programs or policies that fall into the following 3 areas: 1) comprehensive school physical activity programs, 2) after school/daycare programs addressing obesity, and 3) increasing access to fresh foods in low SES inner city communities.
As the search for answers to effectively address childhood obesity continues, organizations and communities across the country are experimenting with various strategies aimed at changing children’s environments to reduce the incidence of obesity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Adolescent and School Health, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, Prevention Research Centers Program Office, and the CDC Foundation are undertaking a 2-year collaborative project to identify and assess local-level programs and policies that have been implemented with apparent notable success to improve the eating habits and physical activity levels of children. Macro International Inc. serves as the coordinating center for the project.
The goal of this project is to conduct evaluability assessments, which are "pre" evaluations to determine if a prhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifogram is promising and ready for a more rigorous full evaluation. The first round of evaluability assessments is currently underway and we are preparing for the second round. Similar to the first round, we will be aiming to conduct 10 assessments in each of the topic areas.
A program that has not been rigorously evaluated can be considered for an evaluability assessment. Once a nominated program is chosen by our Expert Panel, the evaluability assessment consists of a 3-day site visit where trained project staff assess program implementation, data collection, and program outcomes. As part of the site visit, a limited amount of on-site technical assistance will be provided to each site.
The submission deadline is Friday, October 26, 2007.
For additional information and nomination form please contact Nicola Dawkins, Ph.D. by e-mail at or by phone at 404-321-3211.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Ruckus Nation Physical Activity Contest
CDC is working with HopeLab to support of their Ruckus Nation project, aimed at encouraging physical activity among kids and teens. Today marks the beginning of the idea submission phase of the competition. HopeLab is looking for product ideas that will get kids moving!
Ruckus Nation is an online competition that challenges people to imagine innovative products that will increase physical activity among kids ages 11 to 14. We're inviting you to participate as a contestant or judge and to help us spread the word.
People of all ages can enter their ideas to Ruckus Nation and win- win the opportunity to help kids, win recognition for their idea, and win cash prizes. HopeLab will support the development, testing and distribution of products based on the best ideas, and more than $300,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to winning entries!
Register now at www.ruckusnation.com, and keep in mind these dates and deadlines:
September 18 - contestant and judge registration opens, entries accepted
October 15 - contestant registration closes; space is limited, so don’t delay
November 20 - final entry deadline
You can also read about Ruckus Nation in this article from the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com
Think you know others who might be interested in Ruckus Nation? Forward this message or download a flyer to help spread the word!
Ruckus Nation Flyer: www.ruckusnation.com/pdf/RN
Ruckus Nation is brought to you by HopeLab (www.hopelab.org) and cosponsored by the Pioneer Portfolio of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (www.rwjf.org).
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Eliminate Recess? Let's Skip It!
By: Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer founder of Peaceful Playgrounds Inc.
Every decade or so educators stumble upon a really bad idea. The elimination of 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 see the "all work and no play", ethic as explainable.
This is clearly a short sighted trend that your school will want to skip! After hearing about coach potatoes, sedentary kids , youth obesity, video games playing zombies for the last ten years--- Take away recess?? It simply doesn't make any sense.
Recess offers kids the delights of the outdoors while cultivating a passion for physical activity. Put simply. Recess defines the joys of childhood.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Let's Just Play Giveaway-Playground/PE Grants
Let's Just Play Giveaway grants is a unique grant-giving program that empowers kids to bring much-needed dollars to enchane physical education, recreation and nutrition programs in their schools and communitites. Kids between the ages of 6 and 15 partner with adults to nominate their school or community-based organization for a chance to win. Each month, at least 20 winners are randomly selected to receive a $5,000 grant. Register at: http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/ljp_ghc_registration/index.jhtml
September 29th is the 4th Annual Worldwide Day of Play, sponsored by Nickelodeon, which began its Let's Just Play campaign in 2003. The long-term, nationwide campaign is designed to engage kids in active, healthy lifestyles by giving them the resources they need to get up, get out, and go play. On September 29th, the network will go dark for three hours to give children the message that they should turn off the TV and go outside to play. To learn how you can plan an event for the Day of Play, click on the link above.
Let's Just Play Grant Registration NOW OPEN.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Kids in Action: Free Brochure
To help make daily physical activity the foundation of a child’s long and healthy life, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) has developed a new parents brochure called Kids in Action with the Kellogg Company and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. NASPE/AAHPERD member Rae Pica, a member of the Active Start Task Force, served as a consultant. The booklet presents parents and caregivers with simple ideas for physical activities that they can do with children from birth to age five to adopt an active lifestyle early and positively impact their physical, intellectual and emotional development. Click here to download a copy of the pdf file [15 pages, 12,310 KB].
Kids in Action is based on the premise that children love to move. Playing actively with your children will give both of you pleasure. Small children need several hours of unstructured movement every day. They should never be inactive for more than 60 minutes. Toddlers need at least 30 minutes of structured activities, such as those presented in this booklet, and preschoolers need at least 60 minutes of structured activities.
If you are having trouble downloading the file go to: http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=kids_brochure.htmlMonday, September 17, 2007
Bullying Down at Florida Elementary
Bullying is down at one Collier County elementary school, and the reason behind it may surprise you. School administrators claim it's because of the design of the new playground. School administrators claim it's because of the design of the new playground.
It's called a Peaceful Playground.
A study found the colorful playground markings and organized games decrease bullying, fighting, and injuries because every game has rules children can follow and ways to resolve conflict. Administrators say just a few weeks into the school year and they already see a big difference.
Are you ready for National Recess Week?
We are one week away from National Recess Week. Are you ready? If not, considering downloading the information below and sharing it with staff and community members.
Experts say fresh air and play give kids an edge in their schoolwork. Yet, only 8 state school boards of education have a policy that ensures daily recess. Further, 55% of PTA leaders feel their school’s recess is in jeopardy. So, Cartoon Network has created a successful, award-winning national movement called “Rescuing Recess” and National Recess Week (9/24/07-9/28/07) to safeguard and promote daily recess! NASPE Executive Director Charlene Burgeson is a member of the Advisory Board.
Some of the most influential players from education, health, children’s television and professional sports will be kicking off “National Recess Week” with a new report and an unprecedented campaign to rescue playtime in America’s schools.
On September 24, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will be releasing new data that shows why recess is the single best opportunity to raise the fitness of children in the U.S. Also, Cartoon Network and its partners will unveil an ambitious national campaign to enlist one million volunteer hours that will support physical activity and recess at local public elementary school playgrounds.
Major cities across the U.S. will join the action by proclaiming “National Recess Week” and leading local volunteer drives during the week and throughout the 2007-08 school year. Cities include: Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Miami, Baltimore, Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Phoenix, Cincinnati, San Diego, Milwaukee, and Salt Lake City.
For more information about the Rescuing Recess campaign, visit: www.rescuingrecess.com
Friday, September 14, 2007
October is International Walk to School Month
Registration is now open for 2007 International Walk to School events in the USA. This October, communities around the country will join nearly 40 countries to celebrate walking and bicycling to school.
Registration is free and available to all Walk to School event organizers in the USA. By registering, Walk to School organizers have a chance to win prizes for students and gain access to a variety of downloadable items, including certificates, printable sticker templates,
media materials and more. Registrants can also subscribe to a Walk to School e-newsletter with tips and resources for walk to school events.
Walk to School Day will take place October 3, 2007. To register an event, or to sign up as a resource person for Walk to School events, please visit www.walktoschool.org/register. Registered events will be displayed on an interactive map on the Walk to School Web site, so that neighboring communities, media and other organizations will be able to
view participating events.
Make it more than a one day event. Keep kids walking. Check out Peaceful Playgrounds We Count Walking Program which uses pedometers as an aid to kids in fighting fat.
The program’s design is based on research that indicates that inexpensive step-counting devices (pedometers) motivate and educate kids to walk and be more active, thereby impacting the alarming number of overweight children.
The We Count Walking Program is an innovative new program designed to get kids fit with the slogan, “Get Fit, Don’t Sit”. It comes complete with teacher materials to support cognitive development in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and concepts related to combating obesity.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Back to School: Dealing with Bullies
Summer is over, school bells are ringing. It's time to have a talk with your students about bullying at school and some strategies for dealing with it.
Go to stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/ to get tips and expert advice on how to help your students outsmart the bully.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
When tires retire
Rubber lives on in play surface safe for wheelchairs, little feet.
“If you didn’t know anything about safety, what would you want to fall on?” asks Elaine Sherman, a longtime advocate of accessible playgrounds for disabled children.
Designers call this new surfacing: SMARTEElaine Sherman, who pioneered a new playground surface, details the acronym behind the product, SMARTE:
S – Safe slip-resistant mat
M – Mats covering shredded rubber bag system
A – Accessible surface
R – Reduces serious fall injuries
T – Train park staff and can easily be installed
E – Environmentally friendly
When considering accessibility on playground consider blacktop surfacing markings. They are accessible and a minor modification that makes the playground more inclusive. For more on the Peaceful Playgrounds visit www.peacefulplaygrounds.comTuesday, September 11, 2007
Playing with Danger: Germy Playgrounds
All cities tested had bacteria on their playgrounds. (Good Morning America)
Tierno said the testing uncovered so many germs because of the time of year. Combining hot, humid weather and lots of visitors is a recipe for growth, experts say.
Of all the cities tested, Chicago's playgrounds had the heaviest bacteria growth followed by Phoenix, according to the NYU analysis.
New York City's Battery Park had the fewest germs.
And though the swabbing turned up a variety of germs, Tierno said many of them won't harm people.
"Most don't hurt us, but it's the few that do hurt us that justify our concern," he said.
Protecting Children
One way to protect children from germs and illness is by making them wash their hands, especially before eating. Also, nature helps get rid of germs. The sun's ultraviolet light kills bacteria. So, equipment that sits in the shade are more likely to have bacteria.
Continue reading.........Monday, September 10, 2007
Playground Helps to Resolve Conflict
Downers Grove Reporter
Thu Sep 06, 2007, 03:00 PM CDT
Downers Grove, IL -
With their new “Peaceful Playground,” students at Whittier School have learned how to resolve thier own conflicts. Nisha Albert (left) and Haley Reid, both of Downers Grove, use the strategy of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to settle a conflict Wednesday.
In an effort to curtail problems at recess, Whittier School has opened the new year with a “Peaceful Playground.”
Researching for a project for a bully prevention class last summer, Whittier’s physical education teacher Jeanne Smith came across the Peaceful Playgrounds Program. Problems during recess was a continuous issue at Whittier, and Smith felt the program could be the solution.
With a Peaceful Playground, the blacktop is filled with colorful multi-use squares, hopscotch and various games for different age groups. The playground also establishes a set of rules for students to follow, helping them resolve conflicts on their own.
After attending a workshop on Peaceful Playgrounds in November, Smith secured $5,900 in funding from the PTA’s playground committee. Staff training at Whittier began in June and three groups — rules, procedures and safety, and interventions — were formed..
In August, staff gathered again compiling a first draft of rules and suggestions for the playground. Although some fine-tuning remains, students already are embracing the play area.
“The Peaceful Playground empowers children to have fast effective ways to resolve issues that come up normally during play,” said Principal Linda Welch. “It’s exciting for them and it’s exciting for us.”
An assembly was held on the first day of school to talk about the Peaceful Playground and how students will be responsible for resolving their own conflicts. As part of the program, the three strategies include walk, talk, or rock — students can walk away from a dispute, talk it out or settle it by playing “rock, paper, scissors.”
Having a consistent set of rules allows the students to enjoy their free time rather than waste it fighting. The intermediate grades have their own area where basketball hoops are now marked for shooting games, lines are established for races and tetherball poles sit waiting for students to enjoy them. The younger grades have number and alphabet grids, which help them with their spelling or learning their phone numbers.
Smith started teaching the rules of different games this week in gym and plans on teaching more games to various classes in an effort to reduce long lines.
Friday, September 7, 2007
All I REALLY NEED TO KNOW: Important learnings
In honor of a new school year I thought the following poem was an appropriate reminder of "important learnings" that are sometimes over -looked.
Robert Fulghum wrote the now famous poem that provides worldly advise, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten”.
What I learned in Kindergarten:
• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don’t hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
• Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The School Cafeteria, on a Diet
As students return to school this week, some are finding unusual entries on the list of class rules: fewer fried foods, smaller servings and no cupcakes.
School districts across the country have been taking steps to make food in schools healthier because of new federal guidelines and awareness that a growing number of children are overweight.
More on School Cafeteria Food.....http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/business/05junkfood.html?_r=1
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
U.S. Military Children Obesity Stats Double
The percentage of children with weight problems at Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe has doubled in the past four years, according to a government survey. The survey, conducted by the Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine-Europe in each of the last four school years, shows nearly one in three of more than 6,000 children tested at DODDS-Europe schools last year was overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, CHPPM epidemiologist Andrea Snyder said Thursday. “Over the last four years, there has been a steady increase (in the proportion of overweight children). It started at 15 percent and it has gone up to 30 percent,” she said.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Not “it”. Schools Ban Tag
Is tag really bad? TV stations, newspapers and website blogs across
the country picked up on the elementary schools across the nation that
admitted to banning tag. Most responses considered tag harmless.
As a former elementary school principal, I can relate to the “banning”epidemic. When my office filled with 10 kids on discipline issues before school started each morning I too banned before school recess. But I quickly learned that the decision was a poor one. Too often we resort to extremes in times of frustration. The real problem was untrained playground supervisors, lack of playground rules, a few children arriving before supervisors were assigned and not enough organized activities for children to play, etc.
Some helpful hints to improving your playground - Make sure students have enough activity choices and equipment to participate in games. It helps to be proactive and communicate both playground rules and rationale to the community at the beginning of the school year. Reactive responses are sometimes necessary but put us on the defense.
Finally, the issue is not so much” is tag bad”, as “is your playground good”? Schools that devote time to improving their playground reap many rewards including: fewer playground conflicts, decrease in bullying, fewer injuries and more active children.
For more information on improving your school playground –
Visit our website at www.peacefulplaygrounds.com/benefits.htm
Or write Melinda@peacefulplaygrounds.com
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