By

Shannon Maly,   Marshall Mid

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Student Leadership

This year one of our 8th graders took it upon herself to create a survey to find out ways to improve our "indoor" recess. She sent a Google form out to all students asking what kinds of activities they would like to see when we are stuck indoors for the winter. She then brought the results back to the Fuel Up  to Play 60 team and helped develop a rotation and schedule of activities to keep kids active during indoor recess. Some of the activities included: dance room where students could follow along to Wii dance videos, adding stations in the gym for students to do the current unit activities, such as volleyball 4 square, basketball, pickleball etc. The Fuel Up to Play 60 team came together and developed posters for the gym to help students identify what activities were offered that week and where they were located.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

More students have opportunities to play a variety of activities indoors. We have had an increase in the number of students choosing to move during recess.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Space was a big challenge. We needed to find enough space indoors to provide a place for 160 students to move. Gaining access to a classroom and a teacher to supervise it was of great help in increasing opportunities to move.

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

We would like to continue to see more options available to students during the Winter months as in the Spring as well. We are looking to add a walking area in the school where students can wear pedometers and track their miles during recess as well.