Questions about recess (K) in FCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our K class has 20 minutes for recess and that time includes going out and coming back and a bathroom break for all the K students. In the afternoon, they lay down for a short nap in the beginning of the year. They also do stations and have a lot of time where they are not sitting still.

Our K was 20 minutes recess, unless they didn't finish their work. Then no recess. The entire rest of the day was sitting still and not moving and not talking. Nightmare.

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/03/08/yes-parents-want-recess-for-their-kids-heres-why-they-should-keep-fighting-for-it/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our K class has 20 minutes for recess and that time includes going out and coming back and a bathroom break for all the K students. In the afternoon, they lay down for a short nap in the beginning of the year. They also do stations and have a lot of time where they are not sitting still.

OP here -- that's true, I suppose I shouldn't think of all non-recess time as "sitting still" time, for sure.

But, wow. This news really depresses me. I'm not naive about education these days-- I was involved in education policy in my first career and so know all about the testing requirements and crammed school days, etc. But, I guess, now as the mother of an actual child, who needs to run and work off all this energy , I see things differently! Do you know, for kids that go to aftercare, do they get outside frequently? That would at least help, I suppose.

SACC requires all kids to go outside for the first half hour of SACC. In the mornings they may have a choice depending on how long SACC runs before school.

My child is in SACC and they don't go outside the first half hour.

[Anonymous]

Ugh. Not enough recess time for my kindergartener. We've already received noted home about her issues with sitting still and not listening. You know what would help? Recess!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the first week of K, DC had 3 recesses per day. Then in the first several months, they often had one short recess and one regular recess. Now, they have one regular 20 minute recess and very occasionally have an additional short recess. In inclement weather, they watch a movie instead of having recess. It is not enough.

Why did they change?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/03/08/yes-parents-want-recess-for-their-kids-heres-why-they-should-keep-fighting-for-it/

Good article. Everyone should forward it to the principal of their child's elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh. Not enough recess time for my kindergartener. We've already received noted home about her issues with sitting still and not listening. You know what would help? Recess!!

Ugh! So sorry! Maybe ask if the teacher could throw in more wiggle breaks or "energizers." Also, try sending in a wiggle cushion for her to use when in her seat (or at the rug). Many of our third graders use them and find them helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/03/08/yes-parents-want-recess-for-their-kids-heres-why-they-should-keep-fighting-for-it/

Good article. Everyone should forward it to the principal of their child's elementary school.

Yes, reading this was actually what made me post this question in the first place! Sad to hear that some parents face reprisal by complaining about this very important issue, though. I'm surprised that educators themselves would disagree, as my few friends who are teachers (in other states) agree that there just isn't enough time for play nowdays (or space, as a PP mentioned).

[Anonymous]

I don't understand this strange trend to demand more recess. They are in school to learn. There's plenty of time to run around after school. It's not a long day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand this strange trend to demand more recess. They are in school to learn. There's plenty of time to run around after school. It's not a long day.

It's 7 hours, a long school day for a kindergartner. And they are in school to learn; one of the most important things they learn is social, learned on the playground. While your children are paragons with immense EQ and social skills, my kindergartner is still learning and needs the experience.

Have you heard the saying, Sound mind, sound body? Recess, PE, and movement are vital to young children, just as vital as academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand this strange trend to demand more recess. They are in school to learn. There's plenty of time to run around after school. It's not a long day.

My child isn't in K yet, but I notice a clear difference in her behavior and her ability to concentrate on the days she's been outside running around, and those she hasn't. True, this is anecdotal, but the idea is backed by a lot of research. Like the other poster said, sound body, sound mind. Schools that have increased recess and time outdoors have even seen reductions in the number of children who need medication for ADHD etc.

[Anonymous]

Our FCPS kindergartner gets two recesses each day (20-30 mins each) and has PE three times per week, plus daily dance time in the classroom. We've been pleasantly surprised, not sure what the deal will be in first grade and beyond!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand this strange trend to demand more recess. They are in school to learn. There's plenty of time to run around after school. It's not a long day.

Did you read the article???? If you did, you're lacking reading comprehension skills.

[Anonymous]

All grades get 20 minutes at our school. As someone else mentioned that includes bathroom and transition time. So really it is 10 minutes outside. PE is twice a week, but as far as I can tell is never outside. Our 1st grade teacher regularly skipped recess all together "because there wasn't time". So frustrating. For SACC at our school kids can choose 1 of 4 activities, and sometimes two activities, time permitting. Playground or indoor/outdoors sports are always a choice, with dance or yoga often as another choice. Other activities are usually art, cooking, drama, etc.

[Anonymous]

We are scheduled for 20 minutes at my school and we almost always go outside. Usually we stretch the 20 minutes to 30.