The headline reads, Active Video Games may be as healthy for kids as active games? The controversy of video game benefits continues to fester.

Health advocates blame computers and video games on kids expanding waistline. But some researchers are pointing out that they may be helpful. The active video games like some of the wii sports and fitness games may be changing some thinking or at least requiring a second look. The September 2008 issue…

Now is the time to SAVE RECESS. Before the school year schedule is set, let authorities know that kids have a right to recess. Our new materials can help you to make the case for the importance of recess.

Experts agree that playtime can be just as vital as classroom time to a child's social, emotional and educational development. Despite mounting evidence that kids need an outlet to blow off steam, learn to interact with others and get the…

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 ag…

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 actua…

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 ele…

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 In…

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.

Researchers reported on Monday that a growing trend of curbing free time at school may lead to unruly classrooms and rob youngsters of needed exercise and an important chance to socialize. The study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said, "The available research suggests that recess may play an important role in the learning, social development, and health of children in elementary school."

Schoo…

Eat Right Montana is a coalition that promotes healthy eating and an active lifestyle. According to their website, " You may use this information for any educational, noncommercial purposes - with credit given to Eat Right Montana".

Check out their monthly newsletters for download at: http://www.eatrightmontana.org/eatrighthealthyfamilies.htm

Great content in a "easy-to-use" format.

One-third of the children in West Virginia elementary schools did not receive the amount of physical education required by law last year, according to the state Board of Education. WV law requires 90 minutes of physical education a week for elementary school students. It is estimated that 30% of students and schools did not meet that requirement according to a report submitted to the State School Board.

Administrators at some schools that have …

Why not teach children playground games and rules by showing the new Peaceful Playgrounds DVD games during inclement recess when kids are trapped indoors? Take the opportunity to make good use of time which will result in both teachers and students learning how to play many of the exciting and constructive playground games in the DVD set.

Navigate easy-to-use menus to select instruction for game demonstration of over 25 games actually filmed …

Arne Duncan, the new Secretary of Education appointed by Obama earlier this week, can be expected to "think of new, innovative ways to make the schools better."

Duncan cites sports as being an "extraordinary teaching ground" for life's lessons where you learn important values like: hard work, unselfishness, teamwork, sacrifice, accomplishing personal goals and how to judge character. He was a professional basketball play…

The School Employee Wellness Website has just released a new product that is free to download called:
SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WELLNESS: A Guide for Protecting the Assets of Our Nation's Schools. It is a comprehensive guide that provides information, practical tools and resources for school employee wellness programs. It will help schools, school districts and states develop and support the implementation of school employee wellness programs that pro…

Women's Sports Foundation is the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports—advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants & scholarships to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women.

Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation builds on her legacy as a champion athlete, advocate of social justice and agent of change. We strive for gender equ…

The CDC has released a new School Health Education Resource site which provides easy access to a wealthy of health information including physical activity and nutrition resources from the CDC's Health and Human Services Centers. The database provides links to potentially valuable resources for educators.

Goody’s Good Deeds for Schools grants help local schools pay for things they really need but can’t afford through regular education funding. Maximum award: $10,000.

Eligibility: schools in communities where Goody’s stores are located. Fifty schools will be funded in 08-09.

The classroom or school receiving the funds can spend $10,000 on their pipe dreams to whatever will improve the environment for learning including playgrounds, playground equipm…

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 Pe…

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, &q…

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 organiz…