A Place for Everyone: Why Recess Needs a Quiet Zone
Step outside onto almost any elementary school playground at noon, and you will hear a wall of sound. Soccer balls thud against chain-link fences, sneakers squeak on the blacktop, and shouts echo across the jungle gym. For many students, this loud energy is the best part of the school day. Running hard and yelling with friends helps burn off restless energy after hours of sitting at desks. However, active games are not the only way to recharge. Our school should create a small, optional quiet outdoor space during recess, offering a peaceful alternative without taking away the games that other kids love.
- blacktop:
- A paved asphalt surface commonly used for outdoor play areas and courts.
- designated:
- Chosen or officially marked for a specific purpose or use.
- compromise:
- An agreement reached when different sides adjust their wishes to solve a problem.
- perimeter:
- The outer edge or boundary around an area.
- supervise:
- To watch over and direct people to ensure safety and proper behavior.
- unrestricted:
- Not limited or blocked by special rules or boundaries.
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Purpose
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Structure
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the author's main argument concerning school recess?
- 2According to the passage, why is sitting on the blacktop curb problematic for a student who wants to read?
About this opinion piece passage for 5th Grade
“A Place for Everyone: Why Recess Needs a Quiet Zone” is a opinion piece reading passage about school recess design, written for 5th Grade. It takes about 3 minutes to read (517 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.