The first step in developing a recess program is securing buy-in from the staff. It is crucial that your staff understands the importance of recess, and how it not only makes for a more well- rounded and healthy student, but how it actually enhances learning and academic performance. The American Academy of Pediatrics backs these statements with some research found here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/1/183 

Check out our di…
by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer
As temperatures continue to climb this summer and smoke from fires spread across various parts of the U.S., schools across the U.S. are beginning to explore long-term options for reducing heat and smoke exposure. One solution that is gaining popularity is the use of misting systemsThe heat reminds me of a time 20 years ago when I was a principal in Southern California and my school was located about 40 miles from Palm S…
By: Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer









The following tips can help promote recess in your schools:1. Work with the School Wellness Committee to add Recess to your School Wellness Policy. Consider requiring recess daily in K-5, and determine the number of recess minutes each grade level should receive. These recommendations/requirements should be included in your policy.  ......... FREE DOWNLOADStays active for one week Find Full article on Peaceful Playgrou…
by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer
This article is available on the main page of our website. It is filled with ideas for indoor recess such as brain breaks, calming activities, energizers to get students up and moving, and stories in motion from Iowa Department of Education.


There are really 10 sets of activities for indoor recess and Physical Education.  You can get to our website at: www.peacefulplaygrounds.com        Fill in the popup box and downl…
I received this question from a parent.

"My child’s school has started using peaceful playgrounds and the children have been prohibited from playing soccer, basketball, kickball, or making up their own games.  My kids are very upset by this and I am trying to do some research so I can talk to the principal in an informed manner.  Does the peaceful program allow for classic playground games like soccer and kickball?"

My answer:

Thank you…
IPEMA Association Survey and The Voice of Play



Research shows that outdoor free play gives kids many valuable benefits, including the growth of physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills. And teachers agree, according to the second annual Voice of Play Survey. The survey of 500 U.S. elementary school teachers was conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), the playground…
Congratulations #ArizonansforRecess. SB 1083 State Level Recess Bill passed Senate Education Committee today. Keep it moving forward. Vote 7-0 for Recess!!

This one-minute -playground tip video is about the benefits of a Freeze Bell when recess ends.
Our research indicates that 43% of student injuries (on the playground) occurred when students were going to and coming from the playground.So the solution we put Into place was to institute a freeze bell where when the recess bell rang.
We instituted another procedure that when the playground supervisors blew the whistle then students were to walk an…
Check out Peaceful Playgrounds Featured Articles. Find a sampling below.  Titles link to complete articles.
http://ow.ly/h9PT30fo37P



Physical Activity: What is it? Why is it so important?  What is physical activity and why is it important?
Physical activity is any bodily exercise that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health or wellness.  We think of physical activity as burning energy or calories. For health benefits, physical ac…
Play Nice Newsletter out today.
http://conta.cc/2uA4XTF


Information on Playground Supervisor Training
https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/courses/playground-supervisor-training-2/

Play Nice Newsletter March 2017

Topics include:
Mom's Fight for recess
March Download- St. Patrick's Day Fortune Teller Game
U.S. Map Contest Winners
Free Shipping in the month of March 2017


By Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer




















1) Recess serves as a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom. It also offers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it. Pediatrics, Dec. 31, 2012.

Cognitive Benefits
2) Several studies demonstrate that recess, whether performed indoors or outdoors, made children more attentive and more prod…
Physical Activity on Campus — Here, There, and Everywhere by Paul Rosengard-Guest Blogger Part 4
Time to fire up the ole’ jalopy and finish our ride down Route 60-6! But before we merge into traffic, let’s make sure everyone is on board. Have YOU read Parts 1, 2, and 3? If not, just scroll down – you won’t need a GPS to find them… Where are we headed?

A place where every K-12 student engages in 60+ minutes of physical activity every day. And,…