Guidelines for a safe recess during a pandemic.

How to offer a safe recess during a pandemic.

Featured Article
by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer

Schools across the nation are returning to classrooms, lunchrooms, and playgrounds to find that much has changed since the school closed in March. Each setting will require a set of procedures and protocols in order to keep students safe.

One of the most challenging environments, the playground, children’s favorite activity at school, can still be available albeit with a few changes, according to Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, nationally recognized playground designer, educator, and recess advocate.
To understand how to make recess safe during the Coronavirus pandemic it is important to understand the targets or risks that must be mitigated to reduce exposure spread. These are not new ideas but are worth repeating.

High-risk factors for the spread of the virus are
1. Number of Kids
2. Length of Exposure
3. Sharing Equipment
4. Not maintaining a safe distance

In a Recess Solutions webinar, Peaceful Playgrounds addresses each of these risk factors and offers potential ways to mediate the spread of the virus in the outdoor recess environment.

Below is the set of “Recess Guidelines for the playground to Reduce the Spread”, stated Dr. Bossenmeyer.

In order to offer a safe recess experience for students, 4 guidelines should be implemented.

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