By Jeff Roland, Banfield Elementary School Principal

When students go to recess this year at Banfield, what they experience will be a departure from recent years. In the past, recess was the time after lunch when students had the opportunity to go outside and run, use the equipment and become involved in an organized game such as kickball.

Research shows that kids participating in a physical activity during the school day perform at a higher level than their peers who do not. Unfortunately though, over the years the activity levels at recess have dropped, more standing around has occurred, and incidents of bullying have increased.

Over the summer months, elementary physical education instructors from across the district devised a recess guide book that not only lists the games and activities offered at recess, but also explains the rules of the game. The guide book even illustrates where certain games are played on the playing fields. New equipment was also purchased to implement the activities and games. Teachers received these guide books and as a part of the opening workshop days and review the material with their students.

During morning announcements, a list of the recess choices is read. Student then have time to decide which (and they can do multiples) activities they want to engage in. The equipment is laid out and playing fields are coned off by playground supervisors so when the kids get outside, then can go right to the activity of their choice and begin. Students can engage in an organized game such as colors, or kickball or soccer. Hula hoops and jump ropes are provided as well as our daily “Mileage Club” fitness walk.

The benefits to this structure are many. Whenever a student participates in a game, he or she knows and understands the rules of the game. This reduces arguments and squabbles and allows for more time actually playing the game. In addition, when all students are actively engaged, there is less time for bullying to occur. When students stop an activity and start to “do nothing,” playground staff will ask them where they are going for their next activity and encourage them along.

Banfield and all other elementary schools in Austin have adopted a recess program similar to the one outlined above. It is staff’s desire to reduce the bullying and increase the activity while still keeping recess fun for the students. The results for the first week at Banfield were extremely positive. All students were engaged when at recess with no bullying or inappropriate behaviors reported to the office.