Occupational Therapy Life Hacks
The Importance of Recess!
Play - The Occupation of Childhood
- Opportunities for social engagement
- Improved physical health
- Improved emotional health
- Learning about leisure and play
- Prepare the body and mind for engagement in the classroom
- Relieves stress
- Improved classroom behavior
- Increased attention to classroom tasks after recess
These are things we all want for our children and students!
Why Recess Should Not Be Used as a Consequence
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that recess should not be withheld for punitive or academic reasons. They say it is a necessary break in the day, it should be unstructured, and the removal of recess is counterproductive to academic achievement. Students who have more recess do better on standardized tests! More recess is correlated with better behavior too!
Scarlet's Playground in Commerce, MI
We-Go-Swing
PlayWorks Indoor Recess Ideas
What should playgrounds look like?
- Multiple physically separated play zones with non-sport specific grassy areas
- Tree provided shade
- Space for traditional sports (soccer, basketball, etc)
- Playground game area (handball, four square)
- Hardscape and Green Space activity zones (for climbing, jumping and running)
- Play structures that include obstacles at different heights and distances to provide a balance challenge
Another thing to consider is accessibility for all students; examples below:
- Skip the wood chips. Pushing a wheelchair or a walker through loose material is difficult and can be unsafe.
- Ramps/Accessible structures. Providing options for all students to engage together can improve social opportunities.
- Choices for vestibular input. Some kids need to spin, some kids need to swing in a straight line. Giving students options lets them choose what works best for their bodies.
Refreshing Recess Program
This is an OT developed free 6 week program that creates a positive experience for ALL students. It provides recess supervisors and students tools and knowledge to make recess enjoyable for all students. It gives school staff at recess strategies to improve play, friendships, resolving conflict and improving behavior. While developed by OTs it can be used by all school staff to make recess more positive.
A breakdown of the Weekly Themes:
- Kickoff, Orientation. Students get a Refreshing Recess bookmark and Recess Supervisors are educated on the program. Challenges and needs are explored.
- Make friends and have fun. Students participate in a friendship scavenger hunt and the Recess Supervisors learn how to foster friendships.
- Let's play and work together. Students use art materials to create something together. The Recess Supervisors learn about teamwork and conflict resolution.
- Let's get fit and get along. Students participate in a Fitness Trail. Recess Supervisors learn about PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)
- Let's respect differences and include everybody. Students participate in Magic Tag. Recess Supervisors learn about inclusion and how to support it.
- Let's make sure everyone has fun. Students engage in Untying Knots game. Recess Supervisors learn about preventing bullying.
Playworks Organization
Free Resources:
The Game Library - A searchable database of specific recess games with instructions on how to implement them. They can be searched by group size, age range, equipment needed and length of time.
Recess Tips and Tricks - Articles that address everything from supporting increased recess to specific recess ideas.
Recess Checkup - An online quiz to understand what's going on in your play space, discover what's working and find areas of improvement, and get tools to promote a safe and health school environment.