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

3. 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……

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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…..

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

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

11. 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.

12. 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!!!!!!

13. 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.

14. 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!!

15. People cheer when their friends get out in kickball.

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

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

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

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

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

21. Author: Mrs. Medvin Formatting credit goes to Mia Medvin