Kids no longer sitting in the Fence doing resscess

[Anonymous]

Is this an fcps policy policy or just the school itself? My DD is in 4th grade and even if she gets in trouble or doesn't complete her homework she doesn't miss recesss. Back in the 90s when I attend elementary schoool I would of had to sit in the fence and watch the other kids plays.. It taught me how to behave and that I have to complete my homework. We moved to Fairfax from Richmond so I don't know about this policy. How do you fell about it ? I don't think they learn anything by just having to fill out a "think sheet" but what is your views on this?

[Anonymous]

I think that these days everyone realizes the importance of kids getting exercise and free time during the day, so the consequence for poor behavior or not completing homework will likely be something other than missing recess.

[Anonymous]

A lot of kids act out because they have trouble sitting still in a classroom setting for so long. Taking away recess will exacerbate the problem.

Why aren't you making sure DD finishes homework before sending her to school? Shouldn't you be teaching her to do her work rather than having the school punish her to teach her?

[Anonymous]

Let me guess, you failed English class?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of kids act out because they have trouble sitting still in a classroom setting for so long. Taking away recess will exacerbate the problem.

Why aren't you making sure DD finishes homework before sending her to school? Shouldn't you be teaching her to do her work rather than having the school punish her to teach her?

I do and sometimes She lies to me and tells me she didn't have any homework. I wish my dd was perfect but she isn't!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me guess, you failed English class?

Obviously English is OP's second language. Go read the thread in the relationship forum about kindness - you seem to need a reminder.

[Anonymous]

I think the school is wise to choose a punishment other than missing recess for various transgressions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of kids act out because they have trouble sitting still in a classroom setting for so long. Taking away recess will exacerbate the problem.

Why aren't you making sure DD finishes homework before sending her to school? Shouldn't you be teaching her to do her work rather than having the school punish her to teach her?

I do and sometimes She lies to me and tells me she didn't have any homework. I wish my dd was perfect but she isn't!

Why don't you check it? If you know she lies about doing it you should be reviewing it every night. Why should a teacher have to punish your child if even you aren't willing to do it?

[Anonymous]

If she lies to you, you punish her. Email the teacher and see if she can provide a rough idea of the homework.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that these days everyone realizes the importance of kids getting exercise and free time during the day, so the consequence for poor behavior or not completing homework will likely be something other than missing recess.

Which is why it is against FCPS to withhold recess. Sometimes teachers at our school aren't aware or choose to ignore this. When my kids tell me, I'm quick to alert an administrator.

The research is quite clear about the benefits of movement opportunities and unstructured free time. This policy is appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that these days everyone realizes the importance of kids getting exercise and free time during the day, so the consequence for poor behavior or not completing homework will likely be something other than missing recess.

Which is why it is against FCPS to withhold recess. Sometimes teachers at our school aren't aware or choose to ignore this. When my kids tell me, I'm quick to alert an administrator.

The research is quite clear about the benefits of movement opportunities and unstructured free time. This policy is appropriate.

How will your kid learn their lesson? I believe if my DD wants to misbehave in class and talk to her friends, she should be punish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that these days everyone realizes the importance of kids getting exercise and free time during the day, so the consequence for poor behavior or not completing homework will likely be something other than missing recess.

Which is why it is against FCPS to withhold recess. Sometimes teachers at our school aren't aware or choose to ignore this. When my kids tell me, I'm quick to alert an administrator.

The research is quite clear about the benefits of movement opportunities and unstructured free time. This policy is appropriate.

How will your kid learn their lesson? I believe if my DD wants to misbehave in class and talk to her friends, she should be punish.

There are other punishments.

[Anonymous]

We used to have students walk laps during recess for behavior infractions. Some teachers would also have students complete class work or homework. Several years ago, we were told that we could no longer take away recess unless it was a major issue (such as one that would need administrator involvement). Some teachers either aren't aware of that policy or they choose to ignore it. I've found that using Responsive Classroom techniques to be much more effective for behavior management than taking away recess. Students need the exercise and down time for so many reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that these days everyone realizes the importance of kids getting exercise and free time during the day, so the consequence for poor behavior or not completing homework will likely be something other than missing recess.

Which is why it is against FCPS to withhold recess. Sometimes teachers at our school aren't aware or choose to ignore this. When my kids tell me, I'm quick to alert an administrator.

The research is quite clear about the benefits of movement opportunities and unstructured free time. This policy is appropriate.

I agree that it should be against the rules to withhold recess - but is it really? My kid's elementary school still does it. Even in Kindergarten with kids they have labeled adhd and other disabilities. Is that a written policy somewhere?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that these days everyone realizes the importance of kids getting exercise and free time during the day, so the consequence for poor behavior or not completing homework will likely be something other than missing recess.

Which is why it is against FCPS to withhold recess. Sometimes teachers at our school aren't aware or choose to ignore this. When my kids tell me, I'm quick to alert an administrator.

The research is quite clear about the benefits of movement opportunities and unstructured free time. This policy is appropriate.

I agree that it should be against the rules to withhold recess - but is it really? My kid's elementary school still does it. Even in Kindergarten with kids they have labeled adhd and other disabilities. Is that a written policy somewhere?

I have not seen a written FCPS policy on it but I've not request it in writing and there are lots of policies I do not have in writing. I've got 2 kid with ADHD and was informed by the FCPS Procedural Support Liaison that it was not necessary to have written into their IEPs a statement that movement opportunities cannot be withheld as it was contrary to existing policy. I have 3 kids and there have been no more handful of times that recess was withheld - including twice this year when there were substitutes. The first time, the principal sent a letter home to the parents of the affected kids. The kids that had recess withheld were pulled out of class and escorted to the playground to have recess. The second time, my DS told me and I promptly informed the administrators. Based on the emails/phone calls I got, I have no doubt it was addressed with the substitute. Other teachers have informed me the administrators remind them throughout the year that recess is sacrosanct.

If you school is withholding/shortening it, contact the teacher for clarification of the 'policy'. I would also copy an administrator. If your school does not acknowledge a policy, contact your pyramid/regional superintendent.