Category: News and Views
I'm surprised nobody ahs posted this yet. Apparently in a number of elementary schools, they've banned games like tag and touch football either because they saw the games as too violent or because they feared somebody would get injured and the school would be sued. I'm not sure if hte kids were just playing rougher than usual or if school officials are just seeing normal play and overreacting. I'd suggest you Google for the news story, as iI don't ahve any links available and tell me your opinions. I dunno, it just sounds like they're trying to rob childhood from kids. Used to be, back when I was riding a dinosaur and wearing stone underwear that part of being a kid was getting a few skinned knees or such.
I just read an article on it. Forgot to copy the web address of it but I found it as the first link after Googling "contact games banned at schools". I think it's rediculous that principals can ban such commonly played games as, tag, just to keep from getting in trouble and keeping the kids "safe." What do they expect them to play then.? Just sitting down or walking? Of course, I'm over-exagerating on that, but I don't know what else to say. I'm sure noone would want to see a child get hurt, even if it's an accident, But children can get hurt even without contact sports if that would be the reasoning behind banning such games. If there's a playground, they can accidently fall off or bump into something. If the reasoning is about suing, all I can say is, (and no offense to parents), but you know that all that parent wants is the money they might get from it. Again, accidents can happen anywhere and while doing pretty much anything. Now if they are banning unsupervised games (during recess or PE), in a way, I can understand that, since I don't think children should be being left unsupervised during those times anyway. There should always be an adult present during recess and (of course PE and any class-related time), reguardless of anything because that's still their school hours. This is not only to keep an eye on how the kids are playing/interacting in case there is a small chance that something gets out of hand or there is an unrelated incident that comes up, but just because it is responsible to do that.
Oh, just realized I still had the page open. *smile* It's
It's ironic that as more and more children are becoming obese and getting what used to be called adult onset diabetes and doctors are warning that kids need to get outside and play rather than sit inside at the TV or computer, school principals and teachers do not want them running around playing. You can't have it both ways. Either kids are going to be allowed to get fat and lazy or we have to let them play.
Let kids be kids for goodness sake! I too heard this on the radio and I'm like what?
Troy
It's the nanny state gone mad. In Britain the old game of conkers is outlawed, due to the danger of children being hurt, or developing an allergy to the conkers, it beggers belief!.
I was listening to BBC Radio Bewrkshire, one of my local radio stations last night (all of you Zoners're welcome to tune in via the internet at any time) and apparently, Health and Safety (The Nanny state) have banned Marbles as well. It won't be long before they ban Hopscotch, Fisherman's Coming, Farmer's in his den, in and out the dusty bluebells Etc Etc, because they either, cause offence, cause injury, get out of control (only the kids having fun and burning off all that pent-up energy when they have to sit in class learning their numbers and their A B C all fucking morning). Therefore, I urge any members of The Zone who have the job of teachingt or caring for children in schools, nurseries, drop-in groups or whatever, don't stop them playing any game if it was never thought to be dangerous in the first place. When you stop mess, you stop play. If you stop play, you stop fun. If you stop fun, you end up with misery, tantrums and bad behaviour. Psychologist Rachel Morris says something very similar in Little Angels when she's solving the Harrison family's problems in series 3. go to www.bbc.co.uk/parenting. (you may have to look somewhere like Beeb.net if you're not resident in the UK. All the information and frequently asked questions're there when you click on Parenting Video on Demand.
Must say, don't reckon I ever heard of the "Game of Conkers,: so did a bit of research and this is what on zeWeb was enabled to locate/find:
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/conkers.html
It's not so much the nanny state as the lawyer state. If a kid trips and hurts himself on the playground playing hopscotch or dodgeball, the parents can sue the school, so the school probably sees this as cost prevention. Now, <putting curmudgeon hat on> back in my day you tripped and fell, and then you picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and got back in the game. Heck, I never did this, but some of my classmates were known to dangle upside down on the monkey bars. Do schools even have monkey bars anymore?
I'm afraid this is probably true. Americans have gotten so "sue" happy that school principals have every right to be afraid that if a kid gets hurt playing, the school could be sued. Of course, the same parents that would sue if little Johnny gets hurt, are the same parents who let little Johnny go to school without making sure he has done his homework and tell the teacher to go to hell if he or she tries to complain about Johnny's behavior in school.
To,Godzilla-On-Toast, also known/recognized as rev G-O-T, and to Goblin, and others who might be interested... Also located this particular web place, http://www.visitconkers.com/index.html and too in regards to CONKERS... totally unique appearing... A Family affair and attraction from the very young, from say a good sized older-like toddler ~~~ to~~~ those ones older. So G-O-T I ask you...have you ever heard of CONKERS..??? I must admit it sounds delightful and fun-filled..kinda say like a Cedar Point or Disney World, The Woodland like area without the say commercialism on a grand scale...more home-like family, not that Disney isn't, only well, just from web place and its photos it appears to be more so say like an "alpine" or say like a "one day event" while availability to take in other attractions refreshing and relaxing of the area. Just some personal thots. Goodness! and way on zeOther side of zeWorld!! *If say in U.S.A. lqqking on... *smile
G-O-T Man, glad I am you Board Posted this Topic for much by way of studying is being addressed. Go Go Go G-O-T!
Connie ~ Grace
Notes from Opening Page:
CONKERS, the award winning attraction at The Heart of the National Forest, a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to keep you and your family engaged for hours. Five miles from Junction 11 on the M42.
Our friendly team offers a warm welcome, with informed advice on all the activities available on site.
Events at CONKERS: http://www.visitconkers.com/events/
Indoors there are 4 discovery zones designed for children and adults of all ages. We also have a Tree Top Walk in the Discovery Centre and indoor play centre for children at Waterside. Visit our Kids section: http://www.visitconkers.com/kids/index.html
23 different outdoor activities: including lakeside walks, sculpture & nature trails, an assault course, train rides, playgrounds & water play! Take our Interactive Tour: http://www.visitconkers.com/visitors/tour.html
An educational resource that ties in with the National Curriculum.
Visit our Education section: http://www.visitconkers.com/education/index.html
Lakeside restaurants, specialist shops and a plant centre.
Visit our Facilities section: http://www.visitconkers.com/facilities/index.html
Regular workshops, craft and music events for children and adults, and ranger led activities. Visit our Events section: http://www.visitconkers.com/events/index.html
Disabled access for visitors to CONKERS Visit our Information section: http://www.visitconkers.com/visitors/index.html
For directions and contact details please click here.: http://www.visitconkers.com/visitors/travel.html
It would seem G-O-T Man that CONKERS, what Goblin is discussing and CONKERS, The Park Like Setting are two differnt things.. Then again there is Post #8 to take into consideration...this is all so freakin' new to me. Go Figure smile
Connie ~ Grace
TAG! Your turn!!! <<grin>>