From the Assistant Principal: Playworks at Dallin

9/27/2024 7:10 am

Hello, Dallin Families!

We are excited to share that the Dan Kelly Foundation awarded Dallin Elementary a generous grant to bring the Playworks Recess Reboot program to our school. Playworks will provide hands-on training to our staff and students teaching strategies to create a positive recess environment where every child can participate and have fun. Additionally, it will enhance the work we do each day to support students’ social and emotional growth by extending it into recess through structured, safe, and inclusive play. 

In their four days with us, Playworks coaches will introduce fun, structured games, recess routines and reinforce common expectations. Students will learn new conflict-resolution techniques that they can use to more independently handle disagreements that arise on the playground. “Rock, Paper, Scissors” is one I’m sure you already know and many of our students use. When students learn skills to manage these situations without adults stepping in, they build confidence and are better able to take responsibility for their actions, cooperate with peers and have more time for fun on the playground. Our goal is to ensure that every child feels included and comes back to class energized and ready to learn!

Playworks will introduce new cooperative games to make recess more engaging and fun for a wider range of students, regardless of background or ability and will provide more opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and active play. This focus on inclusion and fair play will make recess a time for growth, not just a break from academics.

A special part of the program is the Junior Coach Leadership Program, where 4th and 5th grade students can take on leadership roles by helping to organize games and resolve conflicts. These student leaders will model positive behavior, helping to create an inclusive and cooperative environment during recess.

A big “thank you” to the Dan Kelly Foundation for this opportunity; we’re excited to experience this program with our students and believe that it will have a lasting, positive impact on our school culture and student success. 

Stay tuned for more updates about how Playworks is making a difference here at Dallin!

All the best,

Sam