Hey Mrs. Ripp, I have to stay in for recess. Oh ok, why? Because I didn’t have my parents sign my math test. Oh ok…
How often do we hear statements such as these in our classrooms. Those little remarks explaining why a certain consequence was being given to a student? I used to be that teacher,the one that punished students for not handing things in, forgetting signatures, or having a rough day. I thought that was what you did as a teacher; teach responsibility. And while it is true that we should help our students grow into more responsible children, we also have to make sure that the “punishment fits the crime.”
When students are asked to stay in from recess because they left something at home, it simply does not make sense. In fact, you end up with a student that not only did not get a chance to get some fresh air, but also one who has resentment for being punished for something beyond their control. We do it all the time as teachers; assign work that isn’t really for the student to finish but for the parents instead, and yet the students always pays the price when the work is not done. And we justify it all the time.
So this year I told myself to stop. No more keeping students in from recess, only if they needed and wanted help with something. No more taking away privileges because of something a parent didn’t do. No more enforcing inane rules that I thought I had to enforce simply because that is what I had experienced. Now I question everything I do before I subject my students to it and I am happy I do. I trust my on judgment much more now and I also feel that the students view it as a fair environment, all building into a better community.
Pernille Ripp 
I love it. Funny how it is still being done. I ask myself why – when I see these strange punishments still occurring as well. I get that we are trying to teach responsibility by having a student take something home, in order to show/communicate with Mom and then have Mom communicate that she did see/sign it. But really… these kids are way too busy after school, and so are their parents, they don't get around to doing it. Scan in that test and email it to Mom instead – that's what I say. Instant feedback. Anyways, thank you for your post – another one to keep in mind for all.
Wow, the transition you have made as a teacher is so inspiring. I think a book deal should be in the works!!!
I've gotten myself in a lot of trouble in a lot of school because I will NEVER keep a child in for recess – ever! How can we expect a child to go the entire day without a break? We adults can't do it. It is insane to me!! I won't even allow myself to write a blog about it because it makes me so angry to keep a child in for a recess an I'm afraid I will sound like a fanatic. Children need to move their bodies, breathe fresh air and play as well as learn in the classroom. Thanks for letting me vent on this one!
It is always important for us as educators to ask why ad question the practices that we have adopted. Often, these practices have been passed down to us, not created by us, or they are from a time in which we did not have as much knowledge. Some practices we stay faithful to because they make sense and others we throw out. While there are still instances where I might keep a child in for part of a recess, it is always with a purpose in mind, such as extra help or needing to discuss something privately with them. I have gotten much better and realizing that recess is not really mine to remove, it is something the kids need, just as much as they need math, reading, art etc.Tanya – thank you for your observations. We see this everywhere, unfortunately, I am glad I am not alone.Chris – you flatter me, thank you, but seriously, yeah right.Nancy – Oh do write it! This is such an important topic and we need passion inserted into it. Don't be afraid!