TAG! You're It!

Apparently no one wants anyone else to be it anymore. I've come to feel that these arguments are as disingenuous as those made by parents who advocate that children should "share." Especially when made by the very same parents who, either by necessity or bent, are so competitive and acquisitive, especially so that they can afford the over-priced elite private pre-schools and the fleet of "child-care specialists."

From the New York Times, Dec 14., 2007.

School Recess Gets Gentler, and the Adults Are Dismayed

By Alison Leigh Lowan

MONTVILLE, Conn. — Children at the Oakdale School here in southeastern Connecticut returned this fall to learn that their traditional recess had gone the way of the peanut butter sandwich and the Gumby lunchbox.

No longer could they let off their youthful energy — pent up from hours of long division — by cavorting outside for 22 minutes of unstructured play, or perhaps with a vigorous game of tag or dodgeball. Such games had been virtually banned by the principal, Mark S. Johnson, along with kickball, soccer and other “body-banging” activities, as he put it, where knees — and feelings — might get bruised.

Instead, children are encouraged to jump rope, play with Hula Hoops or gently fling a Frisbee. Balls are practically controlled substances, parceled out under close supervision by playground monitors.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/education/14recess.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print