Teachers are giving students break options that range from creative writing to art to organized volleyball matches. Some students crave a quieter, more sheltered atmosphere, says Serena Jefferies, the school's child-development specialist. Other students simply prefer the structure of organized activities. So most mornings, during the day's first recess, Jefferies opens her room to kids who would rather spend their free time drawing, making handcrafts, and playing games like Legos that stress cooperation over competition. More competitive games convene in the gym.
Teachers organize matches of flag football, volleyball and softball.
The sessions help students who don't have the organizing skills and sufficient knowledge of the games to organize match-ups on their own, says Principal Ginny Hicks. On the playground, too many games wind up in arguments, says sixth-grader Simone Hubbard. A more studious alternative recess program, the Literature Club, meets Mondays. Teacher Jacqueline Taylor invites students to bring their lunches to her fifth-grade classroom, along with a favorite book to share or their own writing or artwork. Sixth-grader Tyson Striley brought his sketchbook to show his drawings of cartoon characters, superheroes and portraits.