We work to offer you valuable free resources in every newsletter. If you no longer want to receive this email, you can Unsubscribe

A big part of restoring recess lies in the need to improve recess and how it functions.

Five Playground Programs

Peaceful Playgrounds has a “Recess Kit” that holds the solutions to 5 identified playground problems. Namely, inconsistent game rules which lead to arguments, the lack of problem-solving strategies that can be easily and readily taught to students, the lack of equipment (balls, jump rope, etc. ) or tools to be active and establishing behavior rules and expectations for safe play. The real “game changer” was the design of the new game markings. When children were playing peacefully and engaged in games, I created a game marking for the activity. The experience came from my time as teacher, mentor, site principal and regional administrator and seeing first hand what works on playgrounds.

To envision “unique designs”, think of designs like hopscotch and basketball, then think of those designs which include an alphabet grid, alphabet running track, bean bag toss, wall ball, multi-use circle and much, much more. I found that painting the games on the blacktop was the key because it helped children to visually select games and remember “game options”. I found that for children, the “out–of-sight out-of-mind” principle, was in play so a painted marking was the key to ensuring a variety of game options.

Peaceful Playgrounds is only one of many programs which set out to improve recess.

Five Research Based Playground Problems and Solutions

Five Research Based Playground Problems and Solutions

In review, “how you improve recess” lies in the following 5 principles, according to Peaceful Playgrounds philosophy and goals:



1. Teach all students a consistent set of game rules.

2. Make sure students have enough playground equipment to be actively involved in games.

3. Establish a consistent set of behavioral expectations for the less structured outdoor environment.

4. Train staff and students on the 5 core principles of the program.

5. Add painted games and markings to the playground for active play.

The Peaceful Playgrounds Program is a nationally recognized and award-winning physical activity program touching nearly 2 million children annually for over 27 years!

Testimonial for Recess Program Dustin Grey New Hampshire

16 sec running time

WANT TO ADD GAMES TO YOUR PLAYGROUND?

RECESS ROLL OUT STENCIL SET

 (6 GAMES)

6 of our more popular markings for getting children involved in recess games. When kids are involved in games, you have fewer problems.  Game Markings include Hopscotch, Number Line, Multi-Use Circle, Four Square, Ball Hopscotch, and Target.

PE ROLL OUT STENCILS

(10 STENCILS)

10 markings for teaching physical education or recess. Game Markings include Ladder, Vari-Beam, Block Walk, Midline and Crossover Walking Grids, Beam, Hopscotch, Beanbag Toss, Alphabet and Number Grids.

SENSORY PATHWAYS (6 STENCILS)

This Sensory Pathways Set comes with 5 stencils and a set of task cards to add an instructional component. It introduces easy and challenging movement experiences. The set includes Instructional Task Cards, Vocabulary Cards, Assessment Cards, Extension Activities, and At Home Parent Cards and Activities. 

Play Nice! Equipment Fun Pack Contest

Enter your school today in the Play Nice! Equipment Fun Pack Contest.

Share a picture of you doing something fun on your playground with the hashtag, #playnicefunpack and #peacefulplaygrounds for an extra entry.

This Equipment pack includes 42 pieces of equipment. This equipment pack can be used at recess for each grade level, in Physical Education class, before/after school programs.

which includes 6 of each:

• junior footballs,
• junior basketballs,
• soccer balls,
• official volleyballs
• playground balls,
• along with assorted color cones
• and mesh bags

This package is appropriate for elementary schools.

HOW TO ENTER

1) FILL OUT THE FORM AT https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/play-nice-equipment-fun-pack-contest/

2) Go to any Peaceful Playgrounds social media account and Like & comment on a post.

3)Tag us in the comment so we can see your entry.

4) Comment how you would use this equipment at your school.

5)Tag a friend you think would like to enter to win. 

"Stay connected with us! Ensure you never miss important updates by adding our website/email to your district's safe list."