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Without equipment or much space, indoor games can be challenging. Today we have a fun one for you with a cat and mice. The Game of the Week is Mouse Trap!

Playful memos. Recess at work. Desk decorating awards. High Five Tuesdays. Studies show that adults who play at work are happier and more productive.

Common sense and studies show us that kids need a break during the school day. If that break does not allow them to get up and move around, students begin to lose focus and emotions rise. Schools across the country deal with rain, cold, snow, ice, even air pollution that keeps students inside for recess. Just yesterday, KJ Dell’Antonia shared tips (from us) for active indoor recess in the New York Times Motherlode blog.

Today's guest blog comes from Playworks Portland, the rainy city. Development Associate Doran Whipple and Program Coordinator Jory Card share their tips for play in the rain!

Last year, we supported No Name-Calling Week. We also called for a year-round commitment to eliminating verbal harassment. According to the website, “No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.” A big event such as this is a wonderful way to create safe schools.

Unfortunately, with rain, snow and cold weather this winter, students may be spending more times indoors. This is the time to pull out those all time favorite games for the classroom. The Game of the Week is Silent Ball!

Today's guest post is by Kari Svenneby, self identified Polar Bear Mom. Kari is an entrepreneur of safety reflectors and founder of Activekidsclub.com, a website on discovering nature with kids and adults through play, lifestyle and cooking!