February  2011                                                                                                                  
 

Peaceful Playgrounds Play Nice! Newsletter

Why Bullying Programs Succeed or Fail
Bullying prevention

 

Two years ago I authored a featured article on this topic.  Not much appears to have changed on the issue.  Schools and students continue to report bullying incidents and continue to strive to find the answer to curbing this pervasive problem.  Two years ago 34 states had adopted legislation related to tackling the bullying problem.  Today all but 5 states have similar bullying prevention legislation.  Read on to learn more about what's working to reduce bullying.


 Putting an end to playground hassles and headaches

4sq kids feet
Do you question why playgrounds are a hot spot for bullying, arguments and fights?  More importantly, you may be wondering what you can do about it.  The answers may surprise you.  The solutions for most playground problems are the basic components of Peaceful Playgrounds Program.  Problems occurring on most playgrounds are a result of:
  1. Students lack problem solving skills. Students should be taught problem solving strategies. For example, they can "walk away and find a new game", or they can play a game called "rock, paper, scissors," to resolve a conflict.
     
  2. Playground Rules. Just as in the classroom, establishing playground rules and procedures for safe play are critical to ensuring an orderly and safe outdoor environment.  Read on for problems 3, 4 and 5.  Read complete article entitled "School discipline: What works."
     


Recess Before Lunch    

Are you are thinking about implementing  Recess Before Lunch next fall ?  If so, the spring is a good time to begin planning and introducing the concept to parents, teachers and students.  The popularity of Recess Before Lunch schedules appears to be growing.  With a tight economy it is one of the few school interventions that's free to implement. 

The benefits of Recess Before Lunch are many and include: "Kids eat more, waste less food, return to class calmer, behave better and as a result, instruction time is increased."  More on Recess Before Lunch including materials to download and share with staff and parents.
Did you miss the Let's Move in School Webinar?

Let's Move logo If by chance you missed the Let's Move in School Webinar or couldn't get in due to the overwhelming response, no worries.  A ondemand webinar is posted on the NASPE site

Toolkits will be available to support teachers, principals, parents and others interested in Let's Move in School in providing information and implementing activities to increase physical activity through schools.   Why not get involved today? 

 

Playground Supervision
Right to Recess Campaign
Grant Writing Tips
Stencil Giveaway

Enter your school today in the Learn to Play U.S. Playground Map Stencil Giveaway. The beautiful geographically and proportionately accurate educational map stencil is 16 feet by 27 feet and extends the classroom curriculum to recess and outdoor play. History and geography comes alive with the games and activities included in the stencil set.
Free Webinars
 
Learn how to create a playground that really works! Webinars are 45 minutes long with an informative 15 minute question and answer session. No special software is necessary for you to easily participate right at your computer. Register early, space is limited. Select your subject and act now to attend a free webinar of your choice at a time that fits your schedule.
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