At last week’s Wilmington School Committee Meeting, a parent addressed the committee with concerns that young students aren’t getting a sufficient amount of time for “free play” during the school day.
“There’s an overwhelming amount of evidence that the amount of free play a student has is critical to their success,” said the Wilmington mom, who is on the faculty at the Boston University Medical Center. “I found it very surprising that recess — the amount of time students have outside — is only 15 minutes.”
“My suggestion,” said the mom, “is a possible extension [of that time] because kids who have more time for free play are going to succeed in all of the outcomes that you have listed [in your strategic plan].”
The mother argued that free time provides children with the opportunity to develop empathy, learn how to resolve conflict, and interact with peers. She also noted the workload students have now is much larger than she did as a child, making an adequate recess time even more important.
“There’s room within our strategic initiatives and objectives that we will have this discussion and [your concern] will be considered,” responded Superintendent Mary DeLai.
“Thank you for your interest,” concluded School Committee Chair Peggy Kane. “The Superintendent will take this [discussion] forward.”
Here’s Wilmington Apple’s Question of the Day for September 14: Do you think Wilmington students are getting enough tiem at recess?
Let Wilmington know your thoughts via the Wilmington Apple Facebook page, via the Wilmington Apple Twitter page, in the comments section below, or via email at wilmingtonapple@gmail.com. Responses may be included in a future article.
Wilmington Apple 