Chicago Schools Contemplate Recess After Nearly 30 Years Without It

[DSTCHAOS]

Some schools don't allow free play during recess, anyway. The kids do structured exercises/games similar to a mini gym class. One day there can be jumping jacks and supervised dodgeball, for example.

I think if taking a break and getting exercise is the issue, structured exercises/games are the answer. If kids want a free-for-all where they can chase their friends around, they can wait until they get home.

[AlexMack]

Oh noes! My kid might fall over or run into someone or wind up crying because he got tagged and couldn't catch anyone else. Let's sue the school!
PS. This thread is funny because I have a thread open about the same topic on another forum too.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Some schools don't allow free play during recess, anyway. The kids do structured exercises/games similar to a mini gym class. One day there can be jumping jacks and supervised dodgeball, for example.

This is the case. As I am studying another side of education, this was brought up. Most funding at the lower grades for PE has been drastically reduced. So, many districts are implementing a more structured approach during the recess period to offset the budgeted shortages. It makes sense, but for those of us who grew up in another era, it's kind of a strange notion. Accountability has really changed the educational dynamic. Physical education(as we knew it) and arts education and music education is almost a thing of the past.

At our school, the students are required to take PE ( a couple of courses, I believe) in order to graduate, but if you don't get the teacher who has been here for 40 years, you won't do ANYTHING but sit on the floor, if you decide not to play a game of basketball.


Times have changed...