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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
This is interesting. According to experts, one of the worst things for a kid is to miss recess, whether they sit out voluntarily or have recess restricted for disciplinary action. Kids need to move. Playworks, a non-profit, is working to keep kids active in play, with recess as their focus. This break from learning can harness the power of play while creating a safe, bully-free environment that promotes focus on schoolwork when they get back from recess.
Kids being active motivates Chris Conard, executive director of the Playworks Utah Program, which is now in almost 20 schools in four districts, like Copperview Elementary. Since Playworks began working with the school, official disciplinary referrals during recess have nearly been cut in half.
Chris says the key to this program is combining physical activity with learning. The Playworks founder was motivated when she uncovered the amount of time teachers spent dealing with playground conflict. Recess had become chaotic. That inspired her to start her non-profit in the Bay Area in 1996, dedicated to teaching the art of play. Playworks is now across the nation in 23 cities. Schools participating in the program are evaluated bi-annually to determine overall impact.
For example, teachers at Playworks schools report spending significantly less time transitioning from recess back to learning activities, almost 34 percent less time. Children in the program show a 43 percent increase in physical activity. Incidents of bullying decrease by over 40 percent because of the conflict resolution and relationship building the art of play can provide. And if that's not enough, teachers report students' feelings of safety at school improving over 20 percent.
One of the things they're battling, Chris says, is students experiencing prolonged disengagement over time. Social climate and interaction is critical for achievement. The more connections kids have, the more focus is developed so bullying decreases. This can be seen clearly from teachers who report they're getting 21 hours of teaching time back every year because of Playworks programs. Kids need a brain break, and that's what recess provides.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Playworks Utah 445 E. 4500 South, Ste. 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84107 801-882-7521; www.playworks.org
