Rethinking Playgrounds - New Playground in Tucson School

Third-graders at Twin Peaks Elementary in Marana play a round of bowling dodge ball, in which the student in the middle has to jump over balls that are rolled in his or her direction. Thirteen game areas were added to the school's playground.

In a new concept, students at Twin Peaks Elementary learned how to play differently on their playground last week.

The Marana school recently implemented the so-called “Peaceful Playground” program, which consists of 13 different games spread across an existing basketball court area.

Colorful lines, letters, numbers and shapes blanket the courts — all used in a variety of games, including bowling dodge ball and others involving numbers and letters.

Students run along letters painted on the ground while reciting the alphabet
Bailey Lochowitz, 9, runs along letters painted on the ground while reciting the alphabet last week. Students were taught numerous games that could be played along the letters and numbers that border the basketball courts at Twin Peaks Elementary.

Research shows that the Peaceful Playground program can reduce conflicts, increase motor skills, dramatically reduce injuries and maximize playground efficiency.

The program is intended to disperse students evenly across the play area while teaching them the importance of rules and structure.

Throughout last week, students from each grade spent 90 minutes rotating around the outdoor play area, from game to game.

As they went from the 13 different, age-appropriate activities, teachers and counselors taught the students the new games.

The Explorer News - Tucson, AZ

Eight-year-old Audri Barnhart takes part in the "Peaceful Playground" program at Twin Peak Elementary School last week. Throughout the week, students were introduced to the school's new playground games, which are designed to spread students across the yard and to reduce conflicts and injuries.