New students are always surprised when they come to our school. One of the biggest surprises is when they find out they have recess. Eyes open wide. "Wait, we have recess?".
Yes. Yes we do.
We have a split period for lunch and recess. Students eat for 22 minutes and then have recess for the other 22 minutes. Grade 6 students have recess first, lunch second. Grade 7 and 8 students have lunch together first and then recess second.
I am fortunate to have outstanding teachers and teaching assistants who proctor lunch and recess. Our recess period has evolved over the last four years and we now juggle multiple options for students.
Each day, students choose which they will attend. Options include:
Recess is also where I hear about most of the disagreements with students. Sometimes, I'll think recess might not be needed. I wonder if the disagreements would be fewer if we didn't have this as part of our schedule. It sounds like a plausible solution.
But, then I visit one of the options. I see students enjoying time with friends. I see kids creating in the makerspace and walking back from the library with their noses in new books. I hear giggles from the computer lab and witness smiles from the student lounge.
We have a split period for lunch and recess. Students eat for 22 minutes and then have recess for the other 22 minutes. Grade 6 students have recess first, lunch second. Grade 7 and 8 students have lunch together first and then recess second.
I am fortunate to have outstanding teachers and teaching assistants who proctor lunch and recess. Our recess period has evolved over the last four years and we now juggle multiple options for students.
Each day, students choose which they will attend. Options include:
- Active Recess: This is the most popular option and occurs in the gym or outside on the playground when weather allows.
- Quiet Recess: We have quiet recess in our computer lab.
- Library: Recess is always a good time to find a new book!
- Makerspace: Our makerspace is in an unused classroom that has been redesigned to be our makerspace. We are learning more and more about our 3d printer in this location.
- Student Lounge: Students use PBIS tickets to gain admission. Think relaxing furniture, air hockey and board games.
- Lunch Bunch: Some students are assigned this location if they owe back work or missed taking a test when absent. But, some students just choose to be there. It's a place where the teacher lets you work on school work, draw, color or create.
Recess is also where I hear about most of the disagreements with students. Sometimes, I'll think recess might not be needed. I wonder if the disagreements would be fewer if we didn't have this as part of our schedule. It sounds like a plausible solution.
But, then I visit one of the options. I see students enjoying time with friends. I see kids creating in the makerspace and walking back from the library with their noses in new books. I hear giggles from the computer lab and witness smiles from the student lounge.
And I shake my head to rid the idea of letting go of recess.
Giving students this downtime and choice within their school day means something...especially to our kids.
Giving students this downtime and choice within their school day means something...especially to our kids.
That is so cool! I didn't know you had a 3D printer and are doing a makerspace. You are definitely on the cutting edge.
ReplyDeleteHey Jessie, not sure about cutting edge but we do try to make sure our students have similar exposures than those in bigger schools with more resources. Thanks for supporting the post.
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