Hat tip: Earl
This article from the NY Times discusses how some school districts are cutting back on recess and banning competitive games.
“Children at the Oakdale School here in southeastern Connecticut returned this fall to learn that their traditional recess had gone the way of the peanut butter sandwich and the Gumby lunchbox.
“No longer could they let off their youthful energy — pent up from hours of long division — by cavorting outside for 22 minutes of unstructured play, or perhaps with a vigorous game of tag or dodgeball. Such games had been virtually banned by the principal, Mark S. Johnson, along with kickball, soccer and other “body-banging” activities, as he put it, where knees — and feelings — might get bruised.
“Instead, children are encouraged to jump rope, play with Hula Hoops or gently fling a Frisbee. Balls are practically controlled substances, parceled out under close supervision by playground monitors.
“Life is competitive,” said Shari Clewell, the mother of a fifth grader. “Kids compete for attention. They compete for grades. You compete for a job. You compete from the time you’re little all the way to the end.”
TheStateOf . . . Competition. I (J) don’t think you can really know who you are until you face competition. Healthy competition strengthens you mentally and increases your performance level. I intend to teach Ike the competitive principles of “The Inner Game of Tennis,” a book about the importance of visualizing success. Check it out. It’s hot.
