Russellville schools want teachers out with kids during recess

RUSSELLVILLE Remember the days when teachers would join students on the playground to enjoy time outside while their students played kickball or tag?

Many students in elementary schools don't get the experience of having their classroom teacher as a playmate on the playground. Instead, Russellville schools have utilized teaching assistants and parent volunteers as recess observers. Teachers in the district frequently use students' playtime to eat lunch or catch up on daily activities.

But, next fall, faces will change on the playgrounds of the Russellville School District's elementary schools.

After the state's Department of Education Standards Assurance team visited the district in January, the panel advised school officials it would be best for the students to have more adult eyes and teacher-student interaction on the playground.

"We are working toward getting kids more active anyway," Assistant Superintendent Annette Henderson said. "One of my most fond memories growing up and in elementary school is seeing my teacher on the playground with us in her dress and tennis shoes playing baseball. I think it really makes a difference to the students and teachers alike to have that play time together."

Henderson said there will be no difference in the length or "free play" time at recess, and classes that currently have scheduled recess time together will not change. The biggest difference, Henderson said, will be more adult supervision, safety and more organized games to play.

"We are looking at more fun games for the kids to play together with their teachers," Henderson said. "It will give the teachers opportunities to know their students on a different level."

Henderson said the district will purchase new equipment and plans to spend a significant amount of money to expand funding for physical education equipment. Henderson said school officials are considering funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a supplement to purchase these items.

"Wouldn't it be nice not to just buy, say, 12 balls, but be able to buy enough balls for all students to have at once? How great this will be to build memories for our kids having fun with their teachers," Henderson said.

Although some teachers had initial reservations about the new plan, area principals said most are becoming receptive to the idea.

"I know when I go out on the playground and pick up a big jump rope, I am mobbed by students that want to play with me," said an elementary principal who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Everything inside the classroom is structured and outside on the playground the teachers and children alike will have a much better chance of getting to know one another in a more fun way."

Superintendent Randall Williams said a lot of incorrect information has circulated recently about the new recess activities.

"The only change next year will be more teacher supervision on the playgrounds during recess," Williams said in a news release. "There will be some teacher-led activities, but if a child does not want to jump rope, for example, in the teacher-led activity, they will be able to go play what they want to play. Free play is a big part of the child's day at school and it will continue to be."

Williams also said there will be more eyes on the playground to help the students during recess time, which will make playgrounds safer.