This year I followed through with a decision I had in mind last year. Admin decided, that we would take soccer away as a consequence since it was causing so many problems. Once I got the green light, I went ahead and sent out the email to all the duty teachers letting them know that there will be NO soccer for 1 week for grades 3 and 4.
I was spending over an hour each day or every other day looking at the cameras to solve problems that were occurring during 1st and 2nd recess during soccer only. It was getting out of control and I knew that I had to put a stop to it. I would rather be in classrooms during the day than being stuck in my office looking at cameras. Some students were getting hurt badly and then there were others who wouldn’t ever get the ball. It was the usual 8 or 9 students who would take control of the whole game. It was unfair, and it demonstrated NONE of the IB traits. The minute I sent that email out informing teachers of this change, many of them stopped by to say thank you! I also received emails saying, “Thank you, what a great idea!” I asked the teachers to speak to their classes as to why they lost that privilege.
The email went out on Sunday. Monday came and I was so curious to see how it would turn out. I was in a meeting but I made sure to step out and do my rounds to see the reactions students had and how they ended up playing. I was shocked by what I saw. There were girls playing on the courts. It wasn’t only boys! There were creative games taking place and some were playing basketball. There was more room for them to play without getting worried about the soccer ball hitting them. Girls playing with jump ropes and hola hoops. I went around and asked the teachers on duty for some feedback. On day 1 and 2 I received positive feedback. Those who originally were against it saw the difference it made during recess.
It’s a lot calmer now. Students are being creative. No aggressiveness, no violence no pushing, cursing NOTHING!! Recesses are much calmer and my staff are happy. I was nervous about this decision I took, however with the support of my principal and my staff’s reaction, it turned out to be a positive decision for everyone.
