OK, so recess might not be as important as the upcoming general election...or is it? For kids in grades K-5 at Horace Mann, recess is a pretty big deal! Since recess is important to kids, we believe they need to have input into how the game is played...
Last year, we introduced a bench to the playground. The bench, itself, is not much to look at, just a plain black metal seat. The big deal is how the bench is used. The adults tried a few different ideas last year, and then we realized we need to ask the students how they want to use it!
With the ever-ready help of parent volunteers, a voting system was designed to allow kids to vote by grade level. Since each grade has their own recess time, we have the freedom to designate different uses for different grade levels.
Students had three choices:
- Buddy Bench: If you need someone to play with, go to the bench. All children are taught that they can be the person who goes to the bench or the person who sees someone sitting and offers to play.
- Friendship Bench: Students in each grade level (grades 2-5) are given a little training on how to start play or conversation with someone who might struggle in that area. these kids (who we called Recess Rangers) would take turns being at the Friendship Bench. Thus, when a student needed a friend, s/he cold come to the bench and find a peer there to help.
- Resting Bench: Just a place to sit and take a break. The bench has not been and will not be used for time out (although we do have a another spot for this appropriate consequence).
The results are so interesting!
- Resting Bench was the clear winner for grades 2-5. Several students described a desire to just have somewhere to sit peacefully for a few minutes.
- The results were mixed for K and 1. This may be due to several factors, including not quite understanding the differences among the choices. We plan to follow up with these groups to see what will work best.
We have other ideas in store for recess this year, including Recess Rangers leading and organizing games and small groups of students receiving extra TLC for social skills using a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, architecture, math) toys (think Legos, Erector Sets, Robotics, etc.). As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions!
Although it was the last week of the grading period and students and teachers worked hard to complete assessments for report cards, we found plenty of time for fun, too! Students took field trips to Donato's and Playhouse Square and we showed our Cleveland pride by wearing Indians and CAVS gear almost every day.
Two "firsts" happened at Horace Mann this week. One of them was a visit from the Wheelchair CAVS--a squad of amazing basketball players who showed us their skills during our Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) celebration. One of the best parts was seeing several Mann teachers try to play basketball in wheelchairs. It only took Mr. Karabaic about 2 tries until he seemed like he'd been doing it forever! These players' stories were quite inspiring and showed all of us what it means to do the best with whatever life gives us.
We also had a great time during "Spooky Spirit" on Friday during lunch and recess. PTA provided a fun recess activity where kids listened to music and made toilet paper mummies out of each other (see photos). There was also a quiet craft for kids who preferred something different. A little treat bag for each child and student-carved pumpkins from Mrs. Axford's class rounded out the super-fun atmosphere. It was great to have a chance to celebrate the season without interrupting instructional time. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who helped with this new tradition at our school!
