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Rae rages about recess, too! : 11/13/2009

Right on, Leslie! You make several great points. Here's another: In Finland, the country that's number-one in the world in literacy and numeracy, the children take a 15-minute break after every 45 minutes of instruction! The fact is, we have research going back to 1885 and up to the present showing that individuals -- particularly children -- produce more when they have breaks. But, hey, why should the policy makers pay any attention to the research, or even what we instinctively know about children? To hear an interview with Olga Jarrett on the topic -- as well as others who hold forth about the need for play and physical activity -- listen to Body, Mind and Child on the Parenting & Educators Channels at www.bamradionetwork.com! We have to fight back on this topic!

Rae Pica

: 11/14/2009

My elementary school-aged child failed at so many schools, until I found a school that offers a very long recess right after lunch, and a morning recess and an afternoon recess. Wish I could tell everyone which school, but we moved from Santa Barbara. Our school experiences in Santa Barbara were all about sooooo much academic pressure that my kid shut down. Lay off the pressure, allow lots of physical activity, and they will learn. Seems like a no-brainer.......

Gimme a break.. : 11/15/2009

This is great evidence, but kids need to take some responsibility. In the real world, i cannot get up and go for a run in the middle of my work day just because I a tough meeting. American kids are getting too lax. We need more discipline, if we hope prevent the US from always importing our more hungry job talent. If you have kids that require more exercise and regiment, wake up early, go to the gym before school, bike ride to school, or activity before you get there. Some of the most important times to concentrate on lectures and focus is right when you get there, not after lunch. Also make sure the kid gets enough exercise afterschool by making him plan his evening homework schedule, then cut him loose to blow of all his steam with more activities or sports. We need to teach kids that school time is to get stuff done. Education is changing and no longer is it solely an institution of baby sitting someone all day. Modern eduction is moving towards independent learning programs that are "self planned", this takes self structure and better time management. Even in the work place well past childhood. Teaching this at a young age will ensure success in this modern time. Then again who cares, the world will end in Dec 2012, so i say recess all day long!

Fat Lazy American Dad

The best thing you can do is improve their diet : 11/16/2009

The best thing you can do is improve their diet. Studies show that kids who avoid sugary, salt, and fat laden junk food do much better in school. They also have more energy and are more able to concentrate for longer periods of time.
This also applies to adults, especially adults.

To "Gimme a break" : 11/16/2009

Wow, you show such an understanding of child development! Yes, let's teach our little kids that they need to function like adults in the workplace...... Actually, studies show that college kids learn better while studying if they take a five minute break every 20 minutes, and that adults of any age learn and work better with frequent breaks. You don't sound qualified to even comment about what children's needs are.

so thats why i did so pooorly in school : 11/16/2009

all those days I was made to miss recess. was the reson I failed. interesting.

rock of sb

Gimme a break : 11/16/2009

um you have the wrong job then, at my job when you get stressed or frustrated they encourage breaks. go walk around out side get some fresh air they say. go get a drink have something to eat they say. i'm sorry you have a job that doesnt allow for breaks. hey i'm on one of those breaks right now.

rock of sb

Recess Denied : 11/17/2009

Pls provide advice regarding an alternative method of punishment for the teachers to impose.

Consequence not Punishment : 11/17/2009

It would be wonderful if we had the ability to follow a positive discipline. If we were able to engage the students in deciding the consequences of their actions, teachers wouldn't be frustrated and students would take ownership because they were part of the decision.
As for physical activity, all people need it to survive, but especially children. We really keep pushing more and more of the same and if we were able to incorporate a different approach to learning (not the cookie-cutter approach) we wouldn't have the disciplinary issues with kids loosing interest and causing disruption in the classroom. FYI, in the SBSD it is against board policy to withhold recess for not turning in homework.

Caring Parent

: 11/17/2009

Orfalea should stay out of the schools. Give the money and back away. The community does evertyhing you want and won't say anything to you because they don't want your money that you donate taken away. Give money so schools can focus on educating children and improving test scores. Focus on eduation and not the School Food Initiative, a disaster of a program to the Santa Barbara community. The School Food Initiative is just like the Tobacco progrom Orfalea tried to head up. A disaster.

A substitiute teacher's question : 11/17/2009

As a mother, when my children misbehave, I usually take away a privilege. This is often after a warning. What privilege can a teacher take away from a student for blatant disrespect? I am not talking about not doing homework. I mean rude behavior? There is precious little to do except for taking away at least some (5 minutes, even) recess and have a talk.
I agree that recess is important for letting off steam (for the substitute teacher, too!), and I prefer dangling a carrot (extra recess) for good behavior, but there are times when a negative consequence is in order.

Don't sink the sub

When they get out of line... : 11/18/2009

I stick my size 12 boot up their ass! That learns 'em every time.

Joe the Plumber

no recess : 1/11/2010

I totally agree with the above! We are having issues with my 8 year old son and his teacher. If he talks then he stays in for recess. This is insane! They can't talk in the lunch room and they can't talk in class? Take away recess and you get one miserable kid! He went from loving school to hating it and not wanting to go. Academically he is above average so if he is doing all this talking then maybe they are not stimulating him enough? How is he passing all the tests? Let kids be kids! Everyone needs a break! We are entitled to a coffee break at work, why should out children not have recess? If we had the funds and my husband did not carry a boat load of student loans we would put them in private school.

Lia F.Safalow

Go to the top with unresolved problems. : 1/13/2010

A superintendent from the S.B. school district told me that if a parent doesn't get what they need from a principal after one week, go to the superintendent. Otherwise you could have an experience like me where you spend all your time dealing with a principal and teacher who have no intention of doing the right thing for your kid, and you are wasting your time and making life miserable for you and your kid.

Learning To Advocate For Children