Earlier this year, parent and play advocate Chrysi Polydoros lead the charge that resulted in Houston Independent School District (HISD) recommending daily school recess. Following Cypress-Fairbanks ISD's new rule last year ensuring elementary school students have 20 minutes of daily recess. And HISD schools are taking the recommendation seriously.
Just a couple weeks ago, eight rockstar Playworks coaches traveled from all over the country to Houston, TX. These coaches showcased our program in eight schools in three school districts new to Playworks. It was a success! At least one school during the “Recess Roll Out” experienced daily recess for the first time (in years) that week. And Playworks Houston will double the number of schools they serve next year.
Here are just a few of the great stories for the coaches who were in Houston:
Today I went to pick up a fourth grade class in the morning and there was a substitute teacher. I could tell she was trying to get their attention, so when I walked in she was (reasonably) frustrated that I interrupted her. There was some confusion over the schedule and by the time we were outside, she didn't look too happy. I started with some attention getters and signals, and she perked up a little. As I continued through the games, she came closer and closer to the group, and her smile got bigger and bigger. When it came time for the closing cheer, the substitute joined the circle for a rousing rendition of the chicken cheer. As the kids lined up for their high fives, she got right in line with them and said, “don't forget my high five, Coach!”
The principal pulled me aside to talk about the program and a student named John. She told me John generally didn't do homework, until Playworks arrived. She said John had done his homework every day this week! And why? He wanted to come outside everyday for recess!
Today at recess I had a kindergarten class. I chatted with the teachers and asked what recess normally looked like. One teacher shared that the kids usually just played on the structure. As I looked around, each of the teachers was playing games and showing a big grin. I asked the kids at Switch station if they were having fun. “Yeah”, the kids replied. The loudest response, however, came from the teacher at the Switch station. She yelled, “WE LOVE SWITCH!”
We're expecting a great year for Playworks Houston!
