https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:36:03 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377555 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 21:09:19 +0000 swedishfish 1377555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: there is also a program called Peaceful Playgrounds. We were going to implement it in my building but our administration changed over...again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377549 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 21:04:24 +0000 mrbee 1377549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Playworks has had a lot of success with having "coaches" out at the playgrounds to help mediate disputes and keep things going:</p> <p><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/hard-times-for-recess/" rel="nofollow">http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/hard-times-for-recess/</a></p> <p>I've noticed when there are more rules, you get more people who quibble over whether or not something is an actual rules violation. I like the idea of having fewer (but more big picture) rules... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377545 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:59:12 +0000 Boopers 1377545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The school I work out definitely can't do without playground rules. The population of kids I work with needs rules and structure to be successful at school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377507 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:39:18 +0000 Kemma 1377507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My theory is that kids need to let off steam and be allowed to express their autonomy so going a little bit nuts at lunchtime each day is good for everybody! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377504 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:37:21 +0000 swedishfish 1377504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just thought about my school's population and ditching the playground rules...that's a no go. If you tried in the district I live in instead? Sure. Some groups could handle a rule free playground and others cannot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377502 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:37:13 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1377502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree! Everyone is so scared of getting in trouble/being sued, what have you that we create a tiny box for children to play in. For children, play releases tension, if we limit that release they will focus their energies elsewhere, such as bullying &amp; vandalism. It makes sense to me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377493 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:33:37 +0000 swedishfish 1377493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only have three rules in my library - be safe, be respectful and be responsible. A few other teachers have followed my lead and implemented similar rules in their classrooms. I've actually read that the maximum number of rules should be five. I don't know if it's helped but it's easier to reinforce the rules by keeping them to three. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-article-from-new-zealand#post-1377485 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:29:29 +0000 apis 1377485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>An interesting piece by TV NZ describes a university study in schools where having fewer playground rules and allowing more risk-taking actually resulted in less vandalism, fewer cases of bullying, and greater levels of concentration in the classroom: <a href="http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-5807957" rel="nofollow">http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bullies-5807957</a></p> <p>Thoughts? </p>