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A gentler, quieter recess Griffin Creek offers art, books, teacher-led games By VICKI GUARINO There's a lot more to recess than playground equipment at Griffin Creek Elementary School. Teachers are giving students break options that range from creative writing to art to organized volleyball matches. The school's ``alternative recess" program acknowledges that a turn on the swing, or a race around the track, simply isn't for everybody. Some students crave a quieter, more sheltered atmosphere, says Serena Jefferies, the school's child-development specialist. The wild rough-and-tumble of the playground is just too intimidating. Other students simply prefer the structure of organized activities. So most mornings, during the day's first recess, Jefferies opens her room to kids who would rather spend their free time drawing, making handcrafts, and playing games like Legos that stress cooperation over competition. More competitive games convene in the gym. Teachers organize matches of flag football, volleyball and softball. Players must be up-to-date in all of their schoolwork, or they have to spend time in a study hall when their team isn't playing. The sessions help students who don't have the organizing skills and sufficient knowledge of the games to organize match-ups on their own, says Principal Ginny Hicks. On the playground, too many games wind up in arguments, says sixth-grader Simone Hubbard. A more studious alternative recess program, the Literature Club, meets Mondays. Teacher Jacqueline Taylor invites students to bring their lunches to her fifth-grade classroom, along with a favorite book to share or their own writing or artwork. Sixth-grader Tyson Striley brought his sketchbook to show his drawings of cartoon characters, superheroes and portraits. "I just like to share my drawings," he says. Classmate Megan Plankenhorn brings her writing: fantasy short stories and poems. "I like looking at other people's work and have them look at my stuff," Megan says. Taylor brings her own writing to the group and keeps the sessions informal. Students can gather in small groups to talk, or they can read and draw on their own. About a dozen students participate in the Literature Club. In the course of the school week, a couple hundred students -- about half the student body -- join the crafts sessions or play organized sports. Although the activities differ, they have a common purpose, says Jefferies. The options give youngsters more opportunity to socialize and experience success. "When you're a success in one area, you're more likely to be a success in other areas," says Taylor. "They can take that feeling of success back to their classroom." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA