We, the parents and concerned citizens of students in Florida do petition the MCSB (Manatee County School board) to REQUIRE ALL elementary schools to adhere A DAILY minimum of 25 minutes ON THE PLAYGROUND. We understand that there is a time for Lunch and we respectfully petition that all schools utilize this time fully. We ask that NO ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC COURSEWORK such as SILENT READING / SILENT BOARDGAMES take the place of our children's RECESS. NEITHER PE OR HEALTH are acceptable to take place for FREE PLAY. We feel very strongly that play is as important as learning. It gives children a break and lets them relax so that their minds can wander and leaves them a chance to be creative and innovative.
We believe that standardized testing is one of the factors that is inhibiting free play in schools. We believe teachers are pressured to teach to the test; they are pushing hard for good test scores. And for that reason, they are pushing children into longer academic time in the classroom. But we strongly believe that the opposite is the case: children can achieve higher goals if they had RECESS. There is scientific evidence to support these ideas: the brain needs breaks not just to relax but in order to absorb the information it is taking in.
We ask the district to respectfully consider that RECESS falls under the child's right to play act, and should be given a DAILY minimum duration of 25 minutes ON the PLAYGROUND. We, the undersigned, do believe that RECESS is an integral part of creating a successful and more focused student as well as a healthy and well rounded child as has been stated in scientific case studies across the country. Our children need ACTIVE time. This helps them both learn and be healthy. Without RECESS our children are missing the opportunity to participate in healthy, constructive socialization and free choice time. We appreciate your time in this matter.
We believe that standardized testing is one of the factors that is inhibiting free play in schools. We believe teachers are pressured to teach to the test; they are pushing hard for good test scores. And for that reason, they are pushing children into longer academic time in the classroom. But we strongly believe that the opposite is the case: children can achieve higher goals if they had RECESS. There is scientific evidence to support these ideas: the brain needs breaks not just to relax but in order to absorb the information it is taking in.
We ask the district to respectfully consider that RECESS falls under the child's right to play act, and should be given a DAILY minimum duration of 25 minutes ON the PLAYGROUND. We, the undersigned, do believe that RECESS is an integral part of creating a successful and more focused student as well as a healthy and well rounded child as has been stated in scientific case studies across the country. Our children need ACTIVE time. This helps them both learn and be healthy. Without RECESS our children are missing the opportunity to participate in healthy, constructive socialization and free choice time. We appreciate your time in this matter.
