Tool Box 2- Building the Infrastructure with Recess Pedagogy
We've laid the foundation in Tool Box #1, now we build the recess infrastructure by training staff and students to create a quality recess experience that brings their whole school community together. The training options include:
The L.E.A.D. Recess Program
The L.E.A.D. Recess Program had an organic evolution over eight years to be where it is today.. This program focuses on building strong social and emotional skills through play. Student Leaders participate in a comprehensive training program that educates them to model positive interpersonal skills and foster a strong school community through play. Training does not end after the initial day, but continues as Student Leaders grow and feel empowered with each monthly meeting.
We have developed a kid-approved social skills program called ERIC. ERIC was frustrated with his recess time constantly being interrupted by problems. See how ERIC solved these problems and how your school can use his techniques.
Schools with a strong Staff Champion or Coach continue this program year after year, saving money for the school and reducing traffic at the office after recess. Every team needs someone to rely on; however, with this team, the Staff Champion or Coach is developing leaders who problem solve for themselves, empower each other and foster a sense of school community. Your job is minimal!
L.E.A.D. Train the Trainer
This is the ideal training model for a school board or district seeking to implement L.E.A.D. Recess across multiple schools. A group of staff champions is inclusively trained to run this program for all schools. This helps to minimize costs and maximize productivity. After the initial training days, your team will be supported with follow up meetings as they continue to work with all the schools.
L.E.A.D. 2.0
The next phase of training your student leaders is to step it up a notch! Our comprehensive training explores inclusivity and the pedagogy behind designing our own games, as well as additional interpersonal skills training and empowerment planning. This session can be delivered to individual schools or we can gather several schools for a mini summit. Either approach has proven to be very successful!
E.A.S.Y. – Engaged Active Supervision for the Yard
All stakeholders within the school community play a vital role in a fostering positive recess experience. Consider the analogy of baking chocolate chip cookies: if you are missing any ingredients that your recipe asks for . . . say the chocolate chips! . . . then you know the end results will not meet your expectations.
Similarly, a successful recess relies on having all the essential "ingredients"—a dedicated Recess Team, a well-crafted Recess Action Plan, an empowered peer leadership group, a thoughtful playground map, and engaged staff members who understand their responsibilities and feel heard.
When staff members actively supervise recess with intention, engagement, and awareness, the outcome for students is notably positive. The way students return to the classroom after recess has a direct impact on their attitude and focus during the remainder of the day. Purposeful and observant adult supervision demonstrates a deep understanding of active engagement and contributes to a supportive and energizing environment for all students.
We work with the administration at your school to address all realms that support recess supervisors in creating a successful recess for all.
