Why kids spend so little time outside?

Have you ever wondered why children are beginning to spend less and less time outside?

An article in the NY Times suggests its the what they call, "the flip flop factor." Outdoor play at day care centers is often stifled because a child arrives wearing flip-flops or without a coat or because teachers don’t feel like going outside.

A study by Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center held focus groups with staff members at 34 area child care centers to learn more about how kids spend their time in day care and the reasons they may or may not spend time outside.

Many of their answers may surprise you. Day care workers keep children inside if they show up in flip-flops rather than sneakers or if they don’t have a coat on a chilly day. Sometimes, it was suggested, that if only one child arrived without a coat the whole class was kept inside, most likely due to supervision issues. A teacher cannot supervise students both inside and out.

According to the Times article, "Some workers said outdoor play is too much trouble because it requires time to bundle up kids during cold weather. Other staff members just said they didn’t like going outside."

RESPECT for Recess

An article in the NY Times entitled:The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess suggests that, "The best way to improve children’s performance in the classroom may be to take them out of it." This comes as no surprise to my blog readers but we can't hear it enough right?

The NY Times article cited the study published last month in the journal Pediatrics which looked at the links between recess and classroom behavior in children age 8 and 9 years old. Here's a link to my blog on the topic, Recess and Classroom Behavior Study Released.

The lead researcher, Dr. Romina M. Barros, a pediatrician and an assistant clinical professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said the findings were important because many schools did not view recess as essential to education. I enjoyed a blog comment to the article which said simply, "duh".

The exact numbers of schools skipping recess is thought to be between 30-40% according to the NY Times article. "And many children are not getting that break. In the Pediatrics study, 30 percent were found to have little or no daily recess. Another report, from a children’s advocacy group, found that 40 percent of schools surveyed had cut back at least one daily recess period."

Peaceful Playgrounds has MOVED

It's official. We've MOVED.

Please note. Our new address is Peaceful Playgrounds, Inc. 17975 Collier Ave. Unit 5, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. Our Toll free number remains the same 877-444-9888 and the email addresses of info@peacefulplaygrounds.com and melinda@peacefulplaygrounds.com continues to go directly to me to re-route to the appropriate person. The added space affords us the opportunity to expand our line of products into the public retail market.

Please make adjustments to your records and address book.

Another Vote For Recess

The Daily Record, a New Jersey newspaper reviewed the importance of recess and an upcoming vote in the legislature that would mandate school recess for its youth.

The sub-headline : "We don't need a study to grasp its value," further illustrates what most people are beginning to understand in the era of childhood obesity.

"Excuse us if we sound anti-intellectual and clueless about the need for a sociological examination. You see, we think that recess is necessary for students in lower grades. It breaks up what could seem like a terribly long school day, fosters socialization and also can encourage exercise. We don't see any drawbacks." Link to full article on Recess.

PP Webinar Questions and Answers

As promised today's blog will cover the questions and answers that were submitted during the Do You Have a Peaceful Playground? You Can. Here's How Webinar on Thursday.

1. Q. How do you prepare the black top for painting.
A. Wash down and sweep the blacktop prior to painting. A list of painting suppliers and instructions are available on the Peaceful Playgrounds Support Page of the Website.

2. Q. Is the Playground Supervisor Training that you mentioned a free webinar?
A. The Playground Supervisor Training is an online course that includes a quiz and certification. To be certified as a playground supervisor you must complete the course and pass the exam.

3. Q. Does paint come with the Peaceful Playgrounds Program Kit?
A. Parking lot paint or strippers paint can be purchased from Home Depot or Lowes or any paint store. The paint is not included in the package but is available as a separate purchase at Peaceful Playgrounds. We carry a low cost paint striping machine and commercial grade striping paint.

4. Q. We have a school of 600 kids. How many playground supervisors are required to supervise the children.
A. There is not a set ratio of students to playground supervisors that I'm aware of . However, the quality of the training of the playground supervisor is of the most importance. A well trained supervisor that understands his/her responsibilities would most likely do a better job of supervising and keeping children safe than 2 supervisors that didn't know or understand how to manage children and keep them safe.

5. Q.How many games by grade level come with the Peaceful Playgrounds Program Kit?
A. Each grade span has approximately 20-25 developmentally appropriate games. Click for a listing of games by grade span. Peaceful Playgrounds Games.

6. Q. How many pieces of equipment should go out with students at recess?
A. Peaceful Playgrounds recommends that a minimum of one piece of equipment with each 10 students sent to the playground.

7. Q. What types of games specifically are available for grass?
A. Field Activities Grades 1-6 - Beat the Ball - Couples Tag - Cross Over - Crows and Cranes - Endline Soccer - Frisbee Golf - Hill Dill - Home Run - Line Soccer - Man from Mars - Modified Soccer - One Base Kickball - Rounders - Sideline Soccer - Snatch It - Softball - Throw it and Run Softball - Touch Down - Touch Football - Work-Up Softball

8. Q. Is it possible to paint the games on a gym floor?
A. It is possible but we have found that most people prefer to use colored vinyl tape to mark the games and activities on gym floor.

9. Q. Can I share the Program Kit with a neighboring school?
A. No. The Peaceful Playgrounds Program Kit is sold with a site license for use at a single school site.

Preschoolers Mostly Inactive at Play

A study released in the January/February Issue of Child Development found that preschoolers were mostly inactive at play. The study conducted by researchers from the University of South Carolina looked at 30 minutes of indoor and outdoor play viewing approximately 300,000 episodes. Overall the researchers determined that during the course of a typical day, 89 percent of children's activities were sedentary, 8 percent were lightly active and 3 percent were moderately-to-vigorously active.

They also determined that 94 percent of indoor activities were sedentary while 54 percent of outdoor activities fall into the sedentary category.

They also found that children were more likely to be active when they were outside and balls or other play objects were available. As a result, the researchers recommended that future interventions designed to improve physical activity levels among preschool children focus on increasing the availability of outdoor materials and ensuring sufficient open space for recreation. The researchers also recommend that teachers organize, model and encourage physical activity among students.

Physical Education Grant Funding

Carol M. White Physical Education Program (closes 3/6). This program allows school districts and community-based organizations to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in grades K-12. Recipients must implement programs that help students "make progress" toward meeting state standards.

It is estimated that approximately 95 awards will be selected for the 2009 competition. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO THE CAROL WHILE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM SITE. (Note: There is a sharing requirement. The federal share of a project's cost may not exceed 90% for the first year and 75% for subsequent years.)

Please check out Peaceful Playgrounds, Fundamental Movement Physical Education curriculum and the We Count Walking Program for inclusion in your grant proposal.

Play, then eat: Another Recess Before Lunch Success Story

Unlike other School District 833 elementary schools, in Washington County, MN, Cottage Grove sends kids out to recess for 20 minutes before lunch.

Principal, Carl Aegler said it’s healthier for the child to exercise before lunch. “They take more time to eat and aren’t as concerned about hurrying to get outside,” he said.

Teacher Cathy O’Brien, who has taught at other schools where recess comes after lunch, said the Cottage Grove lunchroom is actually quieter if kids come directly from recess rather than the other way around.

Want to learn more about Recess Before Lunch? Visit our Recess Before Lunch Website for articles and guides to implementing Recess Before Lunch at your school or attend a free Peaceful Playgrounds "Recess Before Lunch Webinar" to learn more.

Peaceful Playgrounds Grants Newsletter

Are you receiving the Peaceful Playgrounds monthly grants newsletter? If not follow this link for the March Peaceful Playgrounds Grant Newletter. Topics include: Shade Structure Grants, Verizon Foundation Grants, Kaiser Community Health Initiatives Grants, Garth Brooks' Foundation- Teammates for Kids Grants,NIKE Bowerman Track Renovation Program, and Seed Grants- Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, CLOCC.

Peaceful Playgrounds Webinars links:

How you can have a Peaceful Playground
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 10:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 10:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!
ALL TIMES ARE PACIFIC STANDARD TIME ZONE

Recess Before Lunch- 5 Steps to Success
Thursday, February 19 2009 - 10:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!
Wednesday, March 11 2009 - 11:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!

Grant Writing For Beginners
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 10:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 10:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!

HHS’ CDC’s HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM ANALYSIS TOOL (HECAT)

HHS’ CDC’s Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) is now available.

If you are selecting or developing appropriate and effective health education curricula, enhancing your existing health education curriculum or improving the delivery of health education:

CDC's Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) is a resource The HECAT now includes guidance, appraisal tools, and resources needed to conduct a clear, complete, and consistent examination of health education curricula that address any or all of the 9 key content areas of health education: Alcohol and Other Drugs ; Healthy Eating; Mental and Emotional Health ; Personal Health and Wellness; Physical Activity; Safety; Sexual Health; Tobacco; and Violence Prevention.

The companion to previously released PECAT the Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool the HECAT is available free for download.

Register for National Recess Week $10,000 Drawing

Hurry! Only 3 days left to register your school for National Recess Week Mar. 2-6, 2009. Enter your school to win $10,000. Registration ends Feb. 15, 2009. A great way to pay for the Peaceful Playgrounds Program and add 100 new games and markings for your students.

The students are in for a big surprisePeaceful Playgrounds Program Video
Teaching and keeping kids safe during recess.
KSBI News - Channel 52 in Oklahoma City Reports - 180 sec

What's Cool in School - News Feature Peaceful Playgrounds Program Video
The playground builds healthy bodies and relationships!
KARE-TV News Channel 11 in Minneapolis Reports - 4 minutes.

Marana School Playing with a Change Peaceful Playgrounds Video
Reduces playground injuries, and a lot more!
CBS News - KOLD Channel 13 in Tucson Reports - 150 sec.

Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant

The Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program provides parent groups with financial tools to help improve their children's schools. Grant awards of up to $5,000 support school improvement projects at public schools nationwide. Since 2006, through Toolbox for Education, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has donated nearly $10 million to more than 2,000 K-12 schools, benefitting over one million schoolchildren.

The Spring 2009 cycle is now open. The deadline for submitting applications for this grant cycle is 5pm EST, February 13, 2009. Approximately 20 schools received grant funds from the Toolbox for Education Grants for funding Peaceful Playgrounds at their school site in 2008.



Purpose: Call for Proposals: Communities Creating Healthy Environments

Communities Creating Healthy Environments
is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that aims to prevent childhood obesity by increasing access to healthy foods and safe places to play in communities of color. The program will advance RWJF's efforts to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015 by supporting diverse, community-based organizations and federally chartered tribal nations in the development and implementation of effective, culturally competent policy initiatives to address childhood obesity at the local level. Through this call for proposals, RWJF will award grants for policy advocacy to improve food and recreation environments in up to 10 communities at high risk for obesity.

Study: Preschools lacking in physical activity opportunities

A new study out of the University of South Carolina found that 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds in preschool are anything but physically active, even during playtime outdoors.

Given recent findings and data on childhood obesity, the results should unsettle parents and health professionals. An estimated 60% of the nation's 3- to 5-year-olds who are not in kindergarten are enrolled in center-based preschools, and previous studies show more than one-quarter of children ages 3 to 5 are already at risk of becoming overweight.

According to the study, of 539 children in 24 preschools, 89% of the children's day was characterized as sedentary. Even when the children played outside, 56% of the activity was sedentary, 27% was light physical activity and only 17% was moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

The teachers rarely encouraged the children to be more active, said the lead author of the study, Russell Pate, of the University of South Carolina.

More on U.S. Children are not busy little bees.

School Legal: Student suspended for cyberbullying of teacher

An interesting case involving a student and teacher is unfolding in the Broward County School District in Florida. A student rant aimed at her english teacher on Facebook lands her on suspension with the threat of a blemished school record.

"You can express an opinion on whether someone is a good teacher," said Pamela Brown, assistant director for the Broward County School District, who oversees expulsions. "But when you start inviting people to say that they hate a teacher, that crosses the line."

Howard Simon, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said he was appalled by the school's position and the rant is protected by "free speech rights."

More on Student Contests Suspension

Principal finds himself in messy situation

A principal from the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district is being investigated after a parent filed a complaint. It seems a six year old student flushed a paper towel down the toilet in his classroom restroom after a bathroom break resulting in a clogged toilet.

Complaints from the parents of a kindergarten student that their son was forced to unclog a toilet with his bare hands resulted in proposed disciplinary action against an Eagan elementary school principal. The principal has been on leave since mid-December with the parents of the six year old child calling for his dismissal or threatening legal action against the district.

What do you think?..................

PEP Grant Assistance

Peaceful Playgrounds has many resources to assist you with writing your PEP grant.

One of the best resources is our Writing a Successful PEP Grant Webinar. The next PEP webinar will be Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 10:00 AM PST - Free registration for this date!

Another resource can be found on the Peaceful Playgrounds Grants page of the website where we have a special section entitled: Everything you need to Succeed in applying for a 2009 PEP Grant!

The webpage contains the following documents for download.
1. Physical Education for Progress Grant - PEP Grant Info
2. PEP Narrative for Peaceful Playgrounds Program -
pepnarrative2009.pdf
3. Peaceful Playgrounds Program Flyer -
pepflyer2009.pdf
4. PEP Narrative for including Peaceful Playgrounds, Fundamental Movement and We Count Pedometer Program in your PEP Grant -
pepnarrativefunwecount2008.pdf
5. PEP Scoring Rubric for 2009 Grants -
Contact us for the latest information. 877-444-9888
6. PEP Grant Application - pepapplication2009.pdf - pepapplication2009.doc
7. PEP Frequently Asked Questions - pepfaq2009.pdf
8. PEP Budget for Peaceful Playgrounds, Fundamental Movement and We Count Pedometer Wellness Programs - pepbudget2009.pdf
9. PEP 2009 Announcement in Federal Registry - pepannounce2009.pdf


Questions? Need additional assistance. Call us at 877-444-9888.

Edutopia's Articles on Health and Physical Education

Today I'm going to point you to one of my favorite educational magazines and websites called, Edutopia.org They cover all aspects of education but for my readers I'm bringing to your attention their content about health and fitness. Enjoy.

* Fighting for Fitness: Educational Institutions Step into the Ring
* Sage Advice: The Challenge of Childhood Obesity
* Fit for Life: A Coach's Pep Talk
* The New PE Curriculum: An Innovative Approach to Teaching Physical Fitness
* Stretch Goals: A Different Kind of PE Class

February Peaceful Playgrounds News

Did you receive the Peaceful Playgrounds Play Nice Newsletter for February? Topics include:

Research on Recess and Classroom Behavior

A research article Bystander Focus on Bullying Yields Results.

ASCD's Whole Child Petition.


The February Newsletter includes a discount coupon for the online Playground Supervisor Training Program and information on our February Webinars.

Shame or Game?

Micah Grimes, the coach of Covenant School of Dallas, was reportedly fired after refusing to apologize for a 100 - 0 victory of his girls’ basketball team over Dallas Academy last week. He insists that it is ridiculous to apologize “for a wide-margin victory when my girls played with honor and integrity.” However, it seems school officials disagreed. School officials were quoted as saying, "This clearly does not reflect a Christlike and honorable approach to competition.”

Dallas Academy only has 20 girls in its high school and is winless over the last four seasons. The school includes students with “learning differences,” such as short attention spans or dyslexia.

The ASCD Whole Child Petition-Sign On!

Current educational practice and policy focus overwhelmingly on academic achievement, but this is only one element of student learning and development. A child is more than a grade on a test. Given what we now know about learning and development, we can do better and we can do more.

Sign the ASCD Whole Child petition to tell your state board of education that they must do more to educate the whole child. Because when we can do more, then we should do more. When your state has reached its goal, ASCD will deliver the petition to your state board of education. Help your state reach the goal by forwarding the petition on to stakeholders you know.

Sign the petition link.

PEP Questions Answered

The most frequent question we receive here at Peaceful Playgrounds regarding PEP Grants is:
1. Will the PEP grant pay for a new playground or a new facility?

The purpose of the PEP grant is not to provide new playgrounds or facilities. The PEP grant provides funding for the development and implementation of physical education programs. As a result, funds are provided for curriculum development, teacher training, student fitness assessments, data collection and evaluations. While equipment purchases are allowable, successful grant applicants propose programs that address various aspects of a comprehensive physical education program.