Save Recess in Metro Detroit Schools

     Most of us would agree that recess is important for elementary school students.  We innately know, without the myriad of research and national debate, that recess promotes physical activity, encourages social skills - like how to share, communicating, and dealing with small conflicts – like was the ball in or out?  Unfortunately, many schools have either cut back recess or eliminated it in favor of additional academic activities, according to the journal Childhood Education.            

     It is my experience that schools would love to have recess and provide the state recommended amount of physical activity, but there is just not enough funding, trained staff or time in the day.  Playworks, the only non-profit organization in the country focusing solely on maximizing the educational impact of recess and play, offers a solution to this dilemma. Since 2010 Playworks has been transforming Detroit area schools, tapping into recess, working alongside teachers, developing student leadership and leveraging team play as opportunities to make an impact in a student’s readiness to learn.

      Here’s a recent story shared from a school with Playworks:

 Evan, a fifth grader was lucky enough to have his mom visit during lunchtime. After lunch was over, the students all headed out to the playground. Evan chose to play 4-square. His mom sat back and watched with this weird look on her face.  The Playworks Coach walked over to introduce himself. She asked "are you the one who has them playing these games?"  He told her yes, and explained the Playworks program and our mission. She then replied "Thank you. Evan NEVER plays with other kids. He always stays to himself. This is AMAZING!" 

      Playworks fundraises to help place a well-trained full time adult, who is often an AmeriCorps member, in a school for the entire year. Playworks coaches help improve learning by bringing safe, healthy play to children on the playground, with teachers in the classroom and through leagues and leadership opportunities. With a unique focus on recess, Playworks employs play and physical activity as tools to teach valuable lessons that translate back to improved learning in the classroom. Students return to class after recess better able to focus and with fewer conflicts that cut into valuable teaching time. The result is that teachers can focus on teaching, and the schools and students benefit from the recaptured teaching time. In fact, many schools recapture more than 36 hours of teaching time a year – the equivalent of several weeks of math, language arts or other instruction.            

     For just $8.00, Playworks can provide 20 children with a day of safe healthy play and physical activity. That is the average amount a person spends going out to lunch.  If we could get 1000 people to donate $40 or one week worth of lunch money, Playworks could provide recess to an entire school for a whole entire year.      

    During the month of May, I am encouraging the greater Detroit community to become recess heroes by donating the amount of money they would spend on lunch for one day, one week or a month to Playworks at www.playworks.org/detroit.  Each person that donates will receive a lunch bag with tips for packing a healthy lunch and most important, help bring recess to thousands of low income children in the metro Detroit community.  To register for this Bring a Lunch, Play a Bunch campaign; click here https://www.playworks.org/events/detroit/bring-lunch-play-bunch or call Playworks at 313-879-4934.

     The money raised from this campaign will enable Playworks to continue providing a well-trained adult in a low income school to ensure they receive the benefits of daily play and physical activity. Playworks is a national organization founded in 1996 serving over 300 schools in 22 cities around the country.  For more information visit www.playworks.org.