Choice during DPA

I find it interesting the different types of activities being played during our "free time" of DPA. We have primarily girls playing tether ball; a group of quite athletic boys playing "Bump" basketball; two or three other boys taking basketball shots together on a side court; a few kids on the swings; two playing/walking in the gravel field; and two on the playground, standing and talking.

These groupings have been relatively consistent for the past week or two. I wonder if they will change and what will bring about that change. I think basketball is partly popular now because we have been playing and practicing basketball during PE; therefore, there is some influence from school-based activities on their free time. Having said that, basketball seems to generally be a popular sport, as well as soccer (although that hasn't been played for quite some time now.)

Again, I believe letting students choose their own activities and groupings gives them the responsibility to make decisions on how to play, as well as resolve any conflicts that may arise.