RECESS

Most teens today have their eyes glued to electronic screens all day, but there are plenty of exciting outdoor activities that are worthy of a try. People need to put down their phone, laptop, TV and join the real outside world. Outdoor actives can be fun and they range from gardening all the way to rock climbing.
We live in the Sunshine State, where the weather outside is often mind-blowingly beautiful. So get a new mindset and try to start doing things that may be outside of your comfort zone. Some people enjoy being outdoor instead of being cooped up in the house all day. But you will never know your preference until you try. The perfect temperature in Florida makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities. Some examples would be gardening, going to a zoo, or waterpark, the options are endless. Community Playthings said “many of the developmental tasks that children must achieve—exploring, risk-taking, fine and gross motor development and the absorption of vast amounts of basic knowledge—can be most effectively learned through outdoor play.”
An outdoor activity that most everyone enjoys is going to the beach. But make sure to lather yourself in sunscreen. Since you are going to be outside it is very important to protect your skin before doing anything.Therefore, the use of sunscreen is very important. Sunscreen use can help prevent skin cancer by protecting you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of age, gender or race. Protection from sunburn is not the most important reason for wearing sunscreen. You want to reduce damage from the sun. Your skin can be harmed by constant sun exposure, whether or not you see a burn. Remember, sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime.
Mariana Patron, a sophomore at Suncoast, said “I wish our school let us do more outdoor activities that have to do with the lesson instead of always working in the classroom.” Many other students agree with this statement, such as Jessy Gonzalez another sophomore at Suncoast. She said, “ I feel like I would learn better if we incorporated outdoor activities with school.” But not only do students in school like doing outdoor activities so might your children. Most kids like being outside and doing things that are hands on. As a mother, or guardian getting your kids to get involved in an activity is a wise decision. Even something little like getting them to play sports with the neighbors for 20 minutes would be good. This will get them active and instead of sitting at a computer screen they will be inhaling fresh air.