Too cold to play outside? Kids should have a choice
With a snow day to start the week, our poll asking about outdoor play in bitter weather yielded a split response: A plurality of parents said “outside optional” made the most sense, nearly as many said that indoor play or watching a movie was better on winter days. A bunch of hardy souls think kids should play outside, weather notwithstanding, while very, very few — less than 3 percent — said schools should skip recess in lieu of more learning.
This week, we’re curious about charter schools. With a new wave of charters set to open in the fall, wide community concern about the charters’ effect on conventional schools, and a Mayor, Chancellor, and US Education Secretary who have all strongly supported charter schools, what do you think? Let us know.
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My son who is now a 9th grader at La Salle Academy came from a charter school and my younger son who is in the 5th grade is still at that same charter school. Knowing very well about both the charter school system and public school (went to all public schools myself)I would have to say that I don’t see much difference between either. Like all schools, some are good and some are bad. It’s more about how dedicated, educated, and compassionate the teacher is how well a child will learn. It also starts from the top. the Principal has to also really care about each child and not about keeping his or her job. If these educators would teach each child as they would their own child we’d have a much better school system.
Comment by Gail — March 11, 2009 @ 9:47 am
I firmly believe that children should go outside unless it is raining or snowing or if the ground is slippery. The kids are heartier than you think! What’s the big deal??!!
As the parent coordinator of an Upper East Side school, I’ve noticed that administration is having the kids stay in when, in years past, they would have gone out. Our yard is sunny, and the kids need to “toughen up” and run around. They WANT to go outdoors.
Most schools lack the staff to give kids a choice of staying in or going out. It’s one or the other, and I vote in favor of going out.
Nothing–nothing–could be worse than indoor lunch on pizza Friday. When kids don’t get to go outdoors, they become rowdy, noisy and antsy. Everyone suffers, and learning declines. If anyone doubts what I’m saying, give me a call and I’ll set you straight.
Comment by pamela fuchs — March 24, 2009 @ 1:57 pm