Recess and Yard

Recess

Kindergarten classes have flexibility in their day for eating and outdoor times. Children are outside a minimum of 40 minutes but are often outside more than double that time. This allows for fewer transitions, longer eating times and blocks of uninterrupted play for your child's day. 

Educators construct a flow of day that best meets the needs of their students with approval of administration.

For example, students may start their day outside for 40-60 minutes, transition inside for some learning time and eating. Then have a longer block of open play in which small groups are seen for instruction followed by a whole group lesson and second eating time. The end of the day is outside again for 40-60 minutes.  Sometimes we take advantage of outdoor opportunites and inquires with rain, puddles, and other interests.

Toys

Home toys should stay at home. Many children struggle with regulation when they bring items from home. (lost, other children wanting to share, etc.). To set your child up for success we ask that toys stay at home as we have plenty of shared items for your child to explore. Educators are not responsible for missing or lost items. 

Toys are not allowed in the classroom during instructional time.

Shared Recess Toys 

• Please consider donating toys for use for the kindergarten classes at recess.  

• Examples of shared recess toys: trucks and cars, bowls, shovels, pails, spoons, small pots, strainers, sieves, measuring cups, funnels, etc.

Other Information

 One of these areas you many hear your child talk about is "the forest". Sometimes this is alarming for parents to hear.  Our "forest" area on school property is a stand of about 60 red pine and oak trees.  Primary students (Grade 1-3) use the forest at recess.  

Kindergarten students explore "the forest", other areas of the yard and the community during outdoor instructional time with their educators.  

This is different from recess time and students are with an educator during these outdoor inquiries.