Ask any child what their favorite
subject is, and the answer
is universal: recess! Every
elementary school teacher knows
the importance of getting the kids
outside to run, jump, and play.
Yet recess can also be a time for conflicts to
arise –sometimes resulting in bumps, bruises,
or hurt feelings.
When Fernway Principal Chris Hayward learned
about a program called Playworks, which
promotes inclusive play and positive conflict
resolution, he decided to check it out – and
was very impressed. Based on his findings, the
District offered Playworks training over the
summer to lunch aides and staff members who
supervise recess in the K-4 buildings.
Playworks is a non-profit organization based
in Oakland, California that operates in 22
regions of the country and about 900 schools.
The organization trains school staff members
in providing an environment that keeps recess
fun and safe while encouraging kids to include
everyone and resolve disputes fairly.
“The program is about giving kids more options and creative ways to play. The kids get
to choose what they want to do,” says Hayward, “only now they have more options.”
At the beginning of each recess period, a playground supervisor takes a few minutes
to let the kids know what activities will be offered in the designated zones, such
as kickball, four-square, scooters, or free play. Then, the kids are dispersed to do
whatever they choose, which can also include climbing on the equipment or just
chatting with friends.
A few simple rules help keep the play fair. For example, teams are chosen by
counting off. If a tie or a dispute arises, the kids resolve it with a quick game of
“rock, paper, scissors” – a concept that has now carried over into the hallways and
classrooms as well.
Staff members can also teach the kids one of the dozens of zany, non-competitive
games they learned in their training. Sean Morris, Physical Education teacher at
Fernway, liked the games so much he added several of them to the P.E. curriculum.
Says Lomond principal Carina Freeman, “I have seen the lunch supervisors really
blossom in their roles. They are very engaged with the children and have taken
ownership in providing all of our students with an active and exciting recess program.”
Onaway principal Amy Davis reports similar success: “The staff feels that the students
are coming in with fewer conflicts from recess. The students feel positive leaving
the playing field whether it is freeze tag, basketball, or four-square. And, I am seeing
children taking more risks to play a new game, whereas before only the same few
players would participate.” SL
SHAKER LIFE | WINTER 2015 17