From the Capital-Gazette:
Emulating Dr. Martin Luther King, Davidsonville first graders marched for
their favorite demand -- Recess on early dismissal days--on Dr. King''s birthday.
Nancy Woelfel's students waved cardboard and poster signs taped
to Popsicle sticks as they shouted "Recess every day. It's the best
way." Teachers, custodians and students
stopped in the hallways and peaked outside of their classrooms, greeted the
marching students with thumbs up signs and wide grins. One fourth grade class
rushed to the hallway and started chanting with the first graders, pumping
their fists into the air.
Some first graders skipped as they shouted
out their cause, holding up signs that read "Doctors say recess is as
important as reading + writing" and "Kids need exercise every
day."
Woelfel said teaching civic responsibility
to her students will empower them to affect change in their communities. Last week, Woelfel found out her students
didn't know why the country celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. When she asked
them what they like to change in the school, many of them said they want recess
on shorter school days. Woelfel said research showed recess helps students
perform academically.
Vice Principal Stacy Levery said the school
doesn't have recess on early dismissal days to focus on academics. The school
has two hour early dismissal every day this week to accommodate high school
midterm bus schedules, Levery said. She said during those days, students get
physical activity through gym class and classroom activities. Levery said Woelfel's activity taught
students to work together, share their opinions and use evidence to advocate
for things they believe in.
"That's a powerful memorable experience
that they'll carry with them for years and years," she said. She said school staff will consider the
request for recess on short school days. On a regular school day, recess is
about 20 minutes.
After the march, Woelfel read Martin Luther
King Jr.'s story to her students and asked them what they learned from the
activity.
Anna Latour, a first grader in Woelfel's
class, said she learned about standing up for herself.
Woelful asked her class what they would do
if they saw pollution or animal abuse. The students said they would speak up for
other people as well.
One student, Sofia Camarena, was excited to
see fourth-grade students cheer along with her because it was proof they
inspired the older students.
But things may not immediately change,
Woelfel and Levery warned the students. "You might be sad, but you won't be
discouraged," Woelfel said.
"Did Martin Luther King give up?"
