Revitalizing Our Recess Carts, Part 2: The Big Kids
My students need recess equipment to start off the new year including playground balls, flying discs, jump ropes, scoops, pitch and catch sets, and hula hoops.
Joseph Chilton Pearce said, “Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” By revitalizing our recess carts, my students will have more options for play; their social and emotional intelligence will be nurtured; and their academic success will similarly be enhanced.
I am the school counselor in a K-5 suburban, public elementary school in Tennessee.
Our students are a diverse group culturally and economically. We have become known in our community as the school "Where children are loved and love to learn." Our students work hard at their studies and achieve well. Going beyond traditional academics, we strive to educate the "whole child," giving children the opportunity to explore, develop, and express their multiple strengths and intelligences. We recognize the importance, for example, of incorporating kinesthetic activities and approaches into the school day; and we do so through P.E. class and recess, as well as in classroom instruction.
My Project
Four years ago we stocked two recess carts at our school--one for the big kids and one for the little kids. Thousands of children and recesses later, these carts are barren. This project seeks to revitalize the recess rack for our older students in grades 3-5, transforming the recess rack into a playtime paradise with footballs, jump ropes, scoops, flying discs, hula hoops, playground and soccer balls, pitch and catch sets, and more.
These resources will help my students in several ways. First, an invigorating recess allows for a nice, if brief, break from the academic rigor of school. Second, the movement inherent in play drives both brain development and fine and gross motor development, promoting academic success. Third, play helps children practice cooperation and other social skills and develop friendships. The variety of equipment available through this project will give my students lots of options for fun and cooperative play.
School is a highly rigorous activity.
Ironically, for students to achieve at their highest level they must be given the opportunity to engage in movement and cooperative play. The materials in this project will greatly enhance students' options and opportunities at recess, allowing for a fun and vigorous break while promoting brain development, fine and gross motor development, and social skills.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Dr. Taylor and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
