Socialized Recess

Imagine 200 children on an asphalt school yard for 25 minutes—with only two or three school personnel to supervise. The result is often the scene for bullying, arguments, name-calling, bloody knees, and frenzied running.

For more than a decade, during lunch and recess, EducationWorks members have engaged students in organized play to ensure peaceful playgrounds where fights and injuries are reduced and students return to class prepared for their afternoon instruction.

Structured activities are planned both for outdoor recess and indoor recess when there is inclement or cold weather. Outdoors, the school yard is mapped for activities appropriate to the size of the yard, number and ages of students, and number of members and other school staff available to supervise. Typically, students will participate in different activity stations, such as relay races, basketball, jump rope, Simon Says, dodge ball, and playground games (hopscotch, four-square, etc.). Indoors, students are engaged in 3 or 4 activities such as puzzles, checkers, brainteasers, bingo, arts and crafts, reading activities and storytelling.

Often, members work with other school staff, such as non-teaching assistants/noontime aides, and other school aides during socialized recess. Where possible, older students may assume leadership roles by working with and mentoring younger students through structured play.