Hi Boys and Girls – I am your friendly playground Buddy Bench. You can call me Buddy for short

I live on the playground at Washington Avenue School. I bet you had no idea that I see and hear everything that goes on during recess at Washington Avenue……

The students at Washington are lots of fun. I love the way you play so many different games at recess. I see you play wallball, two square, four square, tag, football, kickball, soccer, swing and play on the stump.

I know you guys all love recess, especially when it’s warm and dry and you get to play on the playground.

I think it stinks when you have “Walk and Talk” recess because I am sooo lonely sitting on the playground all by myself.

Friends – my wooden ears have heard some things this year that I want to tell you about. I know Mrs. Quigley and all the teachers are trying hard to teach you about kindness.

but I have a little secret…you guys aren’t always kind  It makes me sad when I see and hear kids being unkind. I’m going to share a few things my eyes have seen and my ears have heard…..

Earlier this year I heard two girls telling secrets then I saw another girl crying. I bet she was crying because she felt excluded.

…. I heard a boy ask another boy what he was playing and that boy ignored him and ran away.

Another day I noticed 2 friends having an argument. When one friend tried to say “sorry” the other friend covered her ears and said blah blah and walked away.

One afternoon I overheard a boy crying because his friend left him to play with someone else. Then his friend turned around and stuck out his tongue!!!!!!

A little girl whisper to me that one day she got hurt a recess and felt invisible because no one noticed her crying or helped her.

I’ve heard that many kids cheat in games (mostly 2 and 4square). Some of them even lie and say Mr. A told them those were the rules. Can you believe it - - Mr. A is the Master of Good Sportsmanship –he would never make up bad rules!!

People cheer when their friends get out in kickball.

Some kids tell other kids that they are a bad goalie 

People make fun of kids because they like to play alone during recess.

So boys and girls please help turn my sad face back into a smiley face….

Before you act or speak Think and be smart It’s hard to fix a Wrinkled heart.

Can’t wait to see you all in the Spring – only 39 more days !

Author: Mrs. Medvin Formatting credit goes to Mia Medvin