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Woodland
first graders don’t seem to mind recess indoors
during cold weather. They have
plenty to keep them busy, including
games, art and just talking among friends.
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Cooped
up inside at recess? No problem!
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – So how are first graders handling being cooped up in the
classroom during recess? According to their teacher at Greenville’s
Woodland Heights, Mrs. Arnett, they’re handling it fine.
“They don’t seem to mind,” she said. “Actually they prefer being inside
when all they can do is play on the blacktop.” The playground is
gravel; when there’s snow on the ground the kids aren’t allowed out
there for safety reasons.
“Now, the teachers? That’s another story,” said another teacher,
grinning. Sometimes students need the release playground activity can
give them to use up energy. If they don’t get it outside they try to
get it in the classroom. The teacher has to divert them to more
appropriate activities like games and art. When they come in from the
playground, they’ve used up the excess energy and are ready to get back
to work.
According to Lisa Maher, assistant principal, indoor recess has been a
common occurrence since students returned to school in January.
“We have the 25 degree rule,” she said. “Temperature or wind chill
under 25 means indoor recess.” They will also be inside if it’s raining
or icy. She noted it can be an issue with the kids; more so than the
teachers.
“They got to go outside once last week. The kids were cheering!”
Jan. 22 was another ‘inside recess’ day. Mrs. Arnett’s students seemed
to have no problem with being cooped up inside once again. They played
games, worked with interlocking blocks to make things or spent time on
the few computers and a notepad in the room.
Leah was making a hotel. She had the base completed and was beginning
to build the rooms.
“How many visitors will it hold?” “Tons,” she said.
Rebecca was making a snowflake, as was another student. Students know
snowflakes come in all shapes and sizes… the two being worked on were
in the shape of a hand and a diamond.
One young man was sitting quietly at his desk watching his classmates
play. “I was thinking about drawing something,” he said. He was still
thinking about it when recess was over.
“I’d rather be inside,” said another teacher when she dropped into the
room to check on one of the students. “It’s cold out there!”
It seems the students agreed.
Published courtesy
of the Early Bird
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This
birthday girl was hard at work creating a unique
snowflake. They’ve been taught no two
snowflakes are exactly alike,
which allows for creativity with a pair of child-proof scissors.
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