CA PE Model Curriculum Standards

At the beginning of each school year it is important to point out some of the available documents that will assist teachers in providing a quality education for students. One such document is the recently released Physical Education K-12 Model Content Standards for Public Schools. According to State Superintendent of Schools, Jack O'Connell, "physical education significantly contributes to students' well-being; therefore, it is an instructional priority for California schools and an integral part of our students' educational experience."

PE Model Curriculum Standards for CA.

Mc Kinley Elementary School Video of Playground Painting

Check out Mc Kinley Elementary School's ( York City School District) short video of students and teachers adding 30 games and activities by painting their playground.

Peace and Productive Games Await Students's Return to School

Students returning to Pine-River Backus Elementary school this fall with have a nice surprise waiting for them. A recently painted Peaceful Playground.

PR-B's Family and Youth Services Coordinator, Denise Koring rounded up a group of volunteers last week to paint the new designs on the playground promising that the playground will promote both "peace and productive games and activities."

Click for more on Pine-River Backus's Peaceful Playgrounds story or information on adding Peaceful Playground designs to your school or playground.

Time Out: Is Recess in Danger Reseach Review

The Center for Public Education has released a mini research review of school recess and contrary to some reports they contend that 9 out of 10 students recess is still alive and well. However, they quote the 2006 CDC Survey (SHPPS) and the 2005 U.S. Department of Education Survey (FRSS 2005) which considers self reporting in which 9 of 10 schools report "scheduling recess." As a retired principal I can attest to the fact that, "scheduling is often very different from an event happening" in schools.

However, the well researched article cites numerous studies and data points with topics such as : shrinking minutes, minority access to recess, and concludes with some advice on take a look at your current recess policies with some general guidelines for establishing recess policies. Well worth a look for those interested in school recess.

Time Out : Is Recess in Danger Mini-Research Review

By the way, you might want to take a quick look at my recently posted article on the same topic: IS RECESS ON THE UPSWING?

PEACEFUL PLAYGROUNDS HIRES VANTAGE STRATEGIC MARKETING

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (August 12, 2008) – PEACEFUL PLAYGROUNDS, Inc. has retained VANTAGE STRATEGIC MARKETING, a firm dedicated to providing strategic marketing alliances and public relations. Vantage will be focusing on securing national and international strategic partnerships as Peaceful Playgrounds expands its reach in the educational market.

PEACEFUL PLAYGROUNDS, celebrating its 10th anniversary, provides an avenue for schools to organize and manage their playgrounds. They are a well-respected company in the educational market that specializes in increasing children's participation on the playground in conflict-free activities.

VANTAGE STRATEGIC MARKETING principal owners Rit Lefrancois and Andrew Bossenmeyer represent a combined 50 years of marketing experience working with both small and large companies in Southern California. It is committed to developing mutually beneficial relationships with businesses to create long-term growth and stability, primarily focusing on unique companies and products that have respect for their community and environment.

"Learn to Play" U.S. Map Stencil Giveaway

Peaceful Playgrounds, Inc. has announced their new "Learn to Play" U.S. Map Stencil Giveaway Program. Enter today to win the geographically and proportionally accurate educational stencil which is Peaceful Playground's best selling playground stencil.

A winner will be selected each quarter and no purchase is necessary to win. Enroll your school today by signing up for the U.S. Playground Map Stencil Giveaway on the Peaceful Playgrounds Website.

Peaceful Playgrounds Selected by NYSHEPA

Peaceful Playgrounds was selected as a "children's environmental resource" by the New York State Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance. The Alliance promotes organizational policies, regulations and environments that support healthy eating and fitness.

Peaceful Playgrounds was selected as it is seen as a tool for making playground more activity-friendly and safer. As cited by the NYSHEPA, "Peaceful Playgrounds describes ways to layout the playground to encourage activity and safe play."

Click here to watch our demonstration video!

Playground Tips: 10 Tips for a Peaceful Playgrounds

1. Have teachers walk students around the playground on the first day of school.
2. Introduce students to playground rules and procedures (ie. freeze at the bell etc.)
3. Teach safe play on playground structures.
4. Introduce the rules for a new playground game each week.
5. Introduce students to the concept of playground reports (pink slips for inappropriate play).
6. Introduce concepts of Walk, Talk, Rock-Paper-Scissors for problem solving.
7. Add more games to your playground. When kids have game markings, you have fewer problems.
8. Introduce students to playground good-sports-coupons.
9. TRAIN playground supervisors!!!
10. Do not allow students to bring personal equipment or toys from home.