HOW TO GIVE | NEWS CENTER | FAITH AT ALEGENT
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Activate Omaha Kids
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Ask a group of elementary school kids to name their favorite part of the school day, and without fail, most will cheer for recess. Considered by “serious” adults to be merely an escape from the real work of school, evidence shows that recess may actually be one of the most important parts of the school day. |
Through Alegent Health's support of Activate Omaha Kids, a community coalition to address the challenge of childhood obesity, recess is becoming more structured. “According to studies, recess is the one time during the day that is the most easily transformable into great physical activity time for kids,” said Molly O'Dell, M.D., Alegent Health's medical director of healthier communities.
This year, two metro-area schools are piloting the structured recess program: St. Bernard Catholic School and Boyd Elementary School in Omaha. With the help of Dr. Jennifer Huberty and a group of graduate students from UNO, teachers and staff at these two elementary schools are learning how implementing a more controlled recess environment is making the time more fun for everyone.
Principal Ellie Seward of St. Bernard was excited to give it a try. “The grad students did a wonderful job of showing our teachers how to create a recess environment where more kids wanted to be involved, and could really play to their individual strengths,” Seward said. |
The goal of structured recess is to provide a variety of organized games and activities that promote inclusion of all students, and that teach kids life skills like good sportsmanship, conflict resolution, cooperative play, problem-solving and appreciation of physical activity.
Seward says structured recess has not only increased kids' activity levels, it also has provided more purpose and variety to that time. “When you visit our playground now, you'll see that everyone is active, everyone is involved,” Seward said. “It's great because our physical education teacher can teach the rules of a new game during class, and then the kids can play it during recess!”
O'Dell said that Omaha Public Schools is committed to introducing structured recess to more schools in the district, and other districts are asking for more information. “The real key for sustainability is a culture that is ready and willing to support this,” O'Dell said. After only a few short months, Seward is pleased with the results she's seen at St. Bernard Catholic School. “Our teachers are willing to get more involved because they're seeing the benefits back in the classroom. Our kids are excited about recess, and we've seen a significant decrease in playground injuries, conflict and bullying,” Seward said. “I never thought recess could be such a beneficial part of our day!” |
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