The Importance of Recess

November 30, 2018

Dear Parents,

It is a widely held belief among teachers and parents, that unstructured play is a developmentally appropriate outlet for reducing stress in children's lives and improving their engagement in the learning process. We can all agree that children benefit from playing, socializing, and enjoying themselves outdoors. Many of you spoke about the importance of this topic at our last PTA Coffee.

As a first step towards providing more movement breaks for our students, we'd like to make a commitment to take the children outside for lunch recess when the "real feel" temperature is 20 degrees or higher. We'll need your assistance in providing the appropriate outdoor clothing: warm jacket, scarves, hat, mittens/gloves- think layers. Our building and grounds staff are committed to clearing blacktop space for the children to access throughout the winter.

Even short movement breaks can have a positive effect on a student's social, emotional well-being. Through interactions with peers at recess, children learn valuable communication skills, including cooperation, sharing, and problem solving. It also offers an opportunity to practice Habits of Mind coping skills, such as perseverance, self-control and conflict resolution. Hard skills to teach, but very important lessons to learn.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this policy. Of course, I am available to work closely with you on an alternative plan should your child have special needs or require alternative accommodations. Thank you for partnering with us to provide this healthy alternative.

Regards,

Colleen O'Neill-Mangan