Wow, what planet are we living on? I don't even recognize it sometimes. As I sit at my computer watching the evening news, there's a report of a school (I'll not embarrass the city or state) that is outlawing the game of "tag" on the playground. It seems the principal has decided it's too aggressive. Have we lost our senses (no pun intended)? Where is the common sense that should guide child rearing? I'm quite sure, "tag, you're it," has echoed through the decades, if not centuries, well before there was any playground equipment. And why? Because it's
natural for kids to run and play. Yes, there's a risk in running and yes, there's a disappointment you might not be tagged
or might be "it." But that's life. My guess is, if it were not a fun activity, kids would have abandoned it long ago.
Luckily, in the report, it was stated that parents were outraged. As they should be. It is criminal that many schools across the country are beginning to phase out recess. Please, our children have got to move, have got to run, have got to get out of the classrooms during the day and "feed" they neurological and physical systems so they can focus, attend and learn!!
This very topic and the elimination of movement is going to be my focus in a series of workshops coming this summer and fall. Let me know if you want to schedule one for your community. And, by all means chime in with your thoughts on this topic. What are you facing in you home towns?
