The New Recess
My oldest child started Kindergarten this past Fall in what I would consider a typical public school here in the Deep South. It's not too big and not too small; it's just a typical suburban school. I remember when she started school that she was so excited to learn. She couldn't wait to read and loved practicing her handwriting so that she could keep a journal 'just like mommy.' She was eager to leave for school each day and couldn't wait to return to school the next.
The other morning we were looking for her extra hat and gloves before she left for school when she informed me that her class doesn't take recess outside anymore.
"What do you mean you don't go outside and play anymore?"
"Well, we have not gone outside for a while and my teacher said we won't go outside fore the rest of the year because it's too cold to play outside."
"What!?"
"We still have recess, though."
"Oh, do you just play in the gym?"
"No, usually we just watch TV."
I was shocked. Shocked. My brilliant child is spending her recess time watching TV. Not only is she being inundated with countless worksheets throughout the day, but she isn't even given time to run and play and get fresh air. I have not talked to the teacher or the school yet, but here in the South it's rarely too cold to play outside. I grew up far North of here and I can tell you without a doubt that there certainly are kids having recess in December above the Mason-Dixon line!
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