Kim Galles

First grade teacher.... living my dream and creating dreams everyday! I Cannot Live Without Books........ Thomas Jefferson.

[𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 @DrBradJohnson]

The Silent Damage: Why Silent Lunch and Taking Away Recess Is Failing Our Kids
I still remember those long rectangular lunch tables. The noise. Trading food with friends. The laughter that carried across the cafeteria. Discussing kick ball game strategy for after lunch. I remember the playground too, the arguments about who was “it,” the sprint to the swings, the way we ran until the bell forced us back inside.
Those weren’t breaks from school.
That was school.
That’s where we learned how to deal with people. How to solve problems without adults stepping in. How to handle rejection. How to make friends. How to lose. How to win without being a jerk.
So when I hear about schools constantly enforcing silent lunch or taking away recess because kids are “too loud” or “talk too much,” I don’t think we’re solving the problem.
Just trying to manage it.
I get it. Cafeterias are loud. Recess can be messy. It’s easier to demand silence than to teach behavior in real time. And occasionally it might be needed. but I have heard of schools that have silent lunch nearly every day.
But easier doesn’t mean better.
If a child struggles in reading, we don’t take books away.
If they struggle in math, we don’t cancel math.
We teach them.
So why, when they struggle socially, do we remove the one part of the day built for social growth?
Recess isn’t a prize. It’s not something to be earned. Kids are not machines that can sit still for seven hours straight and then be punished with more sitting because they talked too much.
They need to move.
They need to talk.
They need to feel like school is a place where they can be human.
And research says this matters. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that recess supports attention, emotional regulation, and cognitive development — and should not be withheld for punishment. The CDC reports that physical activity during the school day improves focus and classroom behavior. Studies in child development show that unstructured peer interaction strengthens social skills, resilience, and long-term well-being. This isn’t fluff. It’s developmental science.
For some kids, lunch is the only part of the day they feel seen by peers. The only time they laugh. The only time they feel normal.
And we silence it.
What are we really teaching?
That their voice is a problem.
That connection is optional.
That order matters more than childhood.
And let’s be honest. Silent lunch doesn’t build better behavior. It builds resentment. It teaches kids to shut down.
There are better ways.
Teach kids what respectful noise sounds like.
Sit with them once in a while instead of standing guard.
Let them help create expectations so they own them.
If someone needs support, pull them aside and coach — don’t cancel the whole playground.
Structure matters.
But so does joy.
Lunch and recess aren’t filler. They’re part of development. They’re where confidence grows. Where friendships form. Where kids figure out who they are.

[Mike Szalat @Gael_Baseball]

Way to go Grant Galles💚⚾️

[Dana Becker @DanaBecker]

Make that five TDs for @grant_galles26 on the night as @SEGaels leads 74-16 #iahsfb

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

@colbysharp I’m looking for a great picture book to win the March Madness at my school need all the recommendations I can get please!!!

[St. Edmond Catholic @SEGaels]

St. Edmond Boys Basketball Team sends their support to the entire Perry Community. #prayforperry

[St. Edmond Catholic @SEGaels]

The first game tonight begins at 4:30 pm. See you soon!
Go Gaels!

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

Nice job Zoelle! 💚

[St. Edmond Catholic @SEGaels]

The Magic of Story Time!
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#buildsconfidence #explorereading #stedmondcatholicschool #thebestseatinkindegarten #icanread #themagicofstorytime

[𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 @DrBradJohnson]

Let the students know you are glad they're there!
https://t.co/ycRTc2euvJ

[Jason Hoag @Chips_AHoag]

Well, it's time to bring back an old tradition. Return of the Popcorn ratings! I made a few friends, and some enemies from my last time rankings so I'll be clear with my ranking system. Also, I've decided to add a couple things to the rankings this year.

[Dana Becker @DanaBecker]

On first play from scrimmage @JtLaufersweiler hits @grant_galles26 on 45 yard TD. @SEGaels 6, Audubon 0 #iahsfb

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

@LPralleOsborn @Goosechase Would love to hear their ideas !

[Mike Szalat @Gael_Baseball]

Congrats John Nemmers - catcher, Grant Galles - outfield, & Hayden Derrig - utility for making 2nd Team 1A All District Team - Central District. Well deserved fellas⚾️💚

[St. Edmond Catholic @SEGaels]

STATE TRACK QUALIFIER | GRANT GALLES
St. Edmond Catholic School | Good Luck, Grant!
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#statetrackqualifier #stedmondcatholicschool #goodluck #gogaels

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

Saint Edmond track had a great night! 💚

[Brad Weinstein @WeinsteinEdu]

This is one of my favorite quotes about working with struggling students. 🧡
Check out my PD: https://t.co/T0gsw9vOhT

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

@ChrisJohnson_17 @FDwrestling Way to go Sammy!!!

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

@MrSchuReads @cadenise @VeronicaJArt Our schools winner in our Mock Caldecott!!! 😊 so good

[𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 @DrBradJohnson]

What we call Brain breaks are actually Brain Boosters and great for students! Get them up and moving.

[Kim Galles @KgallesKim]

@JCareyReads I have been using Wonders for the past 7 years, I supplement and differentiate for students needs and add a lot of trade books for interactive read alouds