MYA 6th graders convinced their principal to bring recess back.
What did they care about?
Ms. Knight’s 6th graders at MYA knew something wasn’t right: they weren’t getting recess. So they made it the focus of their year with Need in Deed.
What did the students learn?
Through their own research and through interviewing pediatrician Dr. Devon Loughlin Alberti as well as members of Playworks Pennsylvania staff, the students learned about the physical, mental, and social emotional benefits of recess for children. Dr. Devon referenced numerous studies from American and international students where data shows that time spent being physically active, even just outside (where students’ eyes can focus on things in the distance) have a positive impact on children’s physical health, emotional and social health, and even their vision! Corrie O’Neil (Associate Director of Playworks Pennsylvania) and two Playworks coaches shared their data on recess and showed students different ways they can get physical activity in their school day through games and physical challenges. They even learned new games to teach younger students!
What did they do about the issue?
Equipped with data backed by science, they advocated and convinced their principal to bring recess back!
For the last few weeks of school, two homerooms squared off in an epic flag football game. There was soccer, sidewalk chalk art, and plenty of just chillin’—all led by students who found their voice and used it to make change.
