Recess can be a great way of creating incidental learning opportunities while your students are on the playground or having fun inside the classroom. However, one essential thing to remember here is that these times are often thought of as non-instructional, but they are indeed the best instructions that work for students with special needs. Just like all instructions, some learners might take a little more time and effort to grasp the skills you are trying to teach. In such cases, it might be helpful to be a part of the playground or field and follow the instructions with them. Read on to learn about some of the best skills you can teach your students during recess.
4 Skills You Can Teach Your Kids During Recess
Recess is not just a time for kids to run around and let off steam; it's also an invaluable opportunity for them to learn and develop essential life skills. By incorporating structured activities and fostering intentional interactions during this free time, parents and educators can help children cultivate skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Here are four skills that can be effectively taught during recess:
1. Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any context. Encouraging kids to engage in conversations, express their thoughts clearly, and actively listen to others during recess can significantly improve their communication skills. Simple games like "Simon Says" or "Show and Tell" can prompt children to articulate their ideas, ask questions, and respond to their peers' statements. Engaging in storytelling, group discussions, or collaborative art projects can further enhance their ability to convey their thoughts and feelings coherently.
2. Direction
Learning how to navigate and give directions is an essential life skill. During recess, children can be guided through activities that involve creating treasure maps, organizing scavenger hunts, or constructing obstacle courses. These tasks encourage them to understand and convey directions accurately, improving their spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. As they work in teams to decipher maps or guide each other through challenges, they learn the value of clarity, patience, and effective guidance.
3. Empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a vital skill for building meaningful relationships and fostering a compassionate society. Recess provides an ideal setting to teach empathy by encouraging children to engage in cooperative play and reflective conversations. Activities such as role-playing, where kids take on different perspectives, or sharing circle discussions about their feelings and experiences, help them develop a deeper understanding of others' emotions. This cultivates a sense of empathy that can lead to more considerate interactions with peers.
If you are looking for some ideas to help your special learners’ skill and motor development and develop a teaching strategy conducive to those ideas, then have a look at this video.
4. Social Skills
Recess is the perfect environment for children to practice and refine their social skills. Structured games like team sports, group art projects, or cooperative challenges help kids learn how to collaborate, compromise, and communicate effectively with their peers. Through these activities, they can discover the importance of sharing, taking turns, resolving conflicts, and working towards a common goal. These skills are not only crucial for their immediate interactions but also lay the foundation for successful teamwork and cooperation later in life.
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Effective Teaching Strategies To Use
To effectively teach and enhance skills during recess here are several strategies you can employ:
- Modeling
Showcase the desired behavior for the children. This is particularly useful for teaching social skills.
- Repetition and Practice
Students are encouraged to repeat newly learned skills multiple times. Whether it's climbing, playing tag without being aggressive, or engaging in other activities, repetition helps solidify their understanding.
- Visual Aids and Social Stories
Visual aids, including social stories, are used to provide visual reinforcement of the lessons. Social stories are often introduced before recess to familiarize children with appropriate behaviors.
- Incorporating Play
The teaching process is seamlessly integrated into play activities. For instance, you might engage in a game of tag with the children or demonstrate proper stair usage through modeling.
Monitoring Progress
Monitoring progress is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the teaching approach. Many of the goals involve social skills, and tracking progress using various methods:
- Observations
Rely on observations and make anecdotal notes during recess sessions to gauge the child's progress.
- Photo Documentation
As worksheets are not used in pre-K, take photos throughout the week to document the child's engagement and progress. These photos serve as evidence of their achievements.
- Curriculum Tools
AEPS-3 curriculum and progress monitoring checklists are utilized to stay updated on progress. Datasheets from resources like Simply Special Ed are also recommended for effective tracking.
- Communication with Parents
An open line of communication with parents is essential. Sharing visuals, anecdotes, and progress updates helps keep parents informed and engaged in their child's development.
Don’t Just Teach Academic Skills, Teach Life Skills
The process of teaching and tracking skills during recess takes about 5-10 minutes and is seamlessly integrated into play. It involves modeling, repetition, visual aids, and active communication with parents. Enroll yourself in Special Education courses to ensure children develop essential social and motor skills while enjoying their recess time. So what skills would you like to target for your next recess?
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Written By : Abhishek
