At Pleasant Valley, recess is just as much an important part of education as science or writing. Recess is a time to decompress, socialize with friends, be creative and get physical. While California does not have a minimum weekly amount of physical activity time for students at any grade level, we are fortunate that NUSD allows for a total of 60 minutes daily recess time for all elemntary students over the course of two breaks, including lunch. The first break, is 15 minutes in the morning. Later, Lunch Recess allows for 15 minutes of down time for eating and 30 minutes of play. Additionally, most teachers grant a short “Brain Break” when possible as a way to help kids re-charge. During the two scheduled breaks, Yard Supervisors walk the grass fields and blacktop, making themselves available to ensure fair play and safety, administer minor first aid, encourage inclusivity and check in with students who may need reassurance or guidance in social interactions. Every break at Pleasant Valley, our students are participating in wall ball, tether ball, basketball, soccer, football, tag, and imaginative games around the play structures. As you might expect, most of our student conflicts and injuries occur during these breaks. This creates ample opportunity for students to practice and appreciate their social and emotional problem solving skills.
We are very excited to announce that this year, our generous PTA has provided funding for PLAYWORKS to facilitate training for our staff that will bring cohesion and clarity around playground expectations. Playworks is a well-known organization in the Bay Area that supports schools by modeling and teaching the strategies, games and systems that help sustain a positive recess culture. Our Yard Supervisors will participate in the training all day on March 19, with teachers joining in for the afternoon session. For more information about our upcoming training, you can visit the PLAYORKS website or check back here for an update after the event.
