tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post8464838884631049163..comments2024-03-28T05:35:07.354-04:00Comments on Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Disorganized Sports + Unstructured PlayLisa Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07759123507185453030noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-47443053720803751312012-04-13T05:32:59.351-04:002012-04-13T05:32:59.351-04:00Play is just "activity engaged in for enjoyme...Play is just "activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation" yet it is often just defined as children running on grass or playing at recess. Kids at home in a basement are 'playing' video games but aren't likely to experience the brain boost from activity.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the problem goes much father than the reach of schools. Often students don't know how to play. They have no concept of what to do or even how to organize each other because they are so used to having adults control their lives.<br /><br />If we want kids to get better at active play we need to give them both opportunity and support. Just like any other activity it doesn't just happen.Grade 4/5 Class at Major Ballacheyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08626001091597738337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8318734518772387227.post-17686758059106010722011-09-23T02:21:17.722-04:002011-09-23T02:21:17.722-04:00I'll never forget my first year teaching overs...I'll never forget my first year teaching overseas in a large, urban school. The school scheduled 90 minutes for "Field Day". I asked, "What do I need to plan?"<br /><br />"Nothing," my colleague said. "It's an opportunity for kids to run around on grass. The PE teachers plan Sports Day later in the year - that is organized."<br /><br />I was stunned - and thrilled. The daily 15 minute chunk on a rooftop area is not enough. We have three "Field Days" every year and the kids love it!<br /><br />Students' standardized scores are not suffering. :)Janet | expateducator.comhttp://expateducator.comnoreply@blogger.com