By

Colleen McHeard,   Lynch Ms

Play:

Recess Refresh — It's Not so Elementary!

Topics:

Physical Activity Participation, Student Leadership,  Teamwork

We met as a team and talked about the things that we thought would make recess better for everyone. W when we went outside for recess we usually only had a couple of worn out basketballs. It was the same when we had to stay in the gym because the weather was bad. Some girls on the team really like soccer. They talked about how they were yelled at for kicking a volleyball they found in the bleachers. We came up with a list of concerns that we had regarding how adults talked to us during recess. We also made a list of equipment that we wanted to get so that there would be things that more people would want to do to be active. 

How did students and adults work together as a team?

We talked about what we thought needed to change to make recess a more active time for everyone. We made a list of equipment that we wanted to purchase. When the team and the Advisor talked to the principal, she was very supportive.

How did you accomplish your goals?

We looked for ways to raise money to purchase what we wanted. We got support from our building principal and the district superintendent to apply for a grant. Our Advisor applied for an Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) grant. We received a $1000 grant and were able to purchase some of the equipment from the list that we put together.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

We are planning on finding funds to purchase more equipment. We also want to work with the building principal to come up with a system for equipment use which will put the responsibility on the students to properly care for the equipment.