I wanted to take this opportunity to share some insight with you regarding what Oak Knoll kids do for fun (besides learning in their classrooms).
Oak Knoll has two playgrounds. We have a kindergarten playground and what we refer to as "the yard" which is for everyone else! On the yard, we break the kids up into two groups to ensure that 1st-2nd graders have a separate playtime from the 3rd-5th graders.
Safety is our priority. We have more supervision than ever before! Both playgrounds have yard duty supervisors, classroom aides, and classroom teachers who wear bright yellow vests, who are solely dedicated to watching the kids during recess. On the kinder yard, we also have consistent parent volunteers helping out. On the big yard, there is always a staff member carrying a walkie-talkie to ensure clear communication to the office. Kids are taught to direct any concern to a yard duty supervisor or classroom teacher. Our staff is extremely responsive and great with the kids! All of our lunchtime yard supervisors are CPR, First Aid, and Epi Pen trained. Our staff is directed to work in a zone and move about that area (i.e., supervisors are dedicated solely to the play structure area, others to the field, etc.). Our goal is to be proactive: redirecting students from behaviors and situations that could be harmful to themselves and others. Accidents can happen, and when they do, we are prepared to respond.
We believe recess should be a time in the day for kids to be kids, solve problems, and be creative. Recess is an opportunity for kids to exercise, play, and interact with other children. Conflicts will arise, and recess is the perfect time for our students to experience the normal, developmental issues that come up when children play. Our yard supervisors, classroom aides, and teachers are great about facilitating school yard problem-solving, by encouraging kids to find a solution, listen to each other, and work together to find a solution.
Our kindergarteners spend their time playing on the playground equipment, drawing with chalk, riding the tricycles and scooters around the circular path, digging in the sandbox, and playing ball on the grass. Soon, we will also bring out our Imagination Playground, which is a set of large hard foam blocks used for working together and building whatever you can imagine!
Our site survey last year showed that our parents had interest in more organization on the yard. While staying true to our vision of recess being a time for unstructured play, we are happy to announce that we have collaborated with The Newton Center and now have two of the Newton employees providing some semi-structured activities on our yard during lunchtime. The two Newton staff members provide two services. One connects with our PE Specialist, Dr. Westfall, and brings out special equipment related to the recent PE unit, and facilitates the kids interacting with this choice activity. The other joins the largest, most active game and provides refereeing, help with enforcing rules, and promotion of good sportsmanship. Thanks to our collaboration with The Newton Center (who also provides on-site aftercare here at Oak Knoll), we are able to provide more structure as well as increased supervision on our yard.
We try to offer our 1st-5th graders a menu of options during recess/lunch because not everyone likes playing ball or doing the monkey bars. Having a menu of options during this time also spreads the kids out and creates a less dense population on the playground. Miss Bennion, our school librarian, opens the library throughout the week so students can visit, play checkers, play the piano, and of course read. Dr.Westfall facilitates Otter Mileage on the track during some recess and lunch periods. Our garden (chickens and all), Science Lab, and Nature Zone, thanks to Ms. Solomon and parent volunteers, are other options for students throughout the week. We have also added lunch clubs this year! We currently have a 3rd4th grade Speech and Debate club, a 3rd-5th grade Math club and a new 1st-2nd grade Coding Club, "I Can Code"coming soon. Make sure to remind your child(ren) to check the Recess Activities Menu!
Here is how you can help:
- Volunteer! If you are interested in volunteering on the yard, email our VP Leah Kessler (lkessler@mpcsd.org). If you are interested in helping in the Oak Knoll Garden or Nature Zone, email Gwen Solomon (gsolomon@mpcsd.org).
- Remind your kids to check out the Recess Activities Menu on our website or in their classroom.
- Remind your kids to direct any recess concern to our yard supervisors and/or classroom teachers.
