During recess today the Herons played "never-ending
tag" with the Doves, a K/1 class.
As we circled up outside, I looked around at the Herons who had spread
themselves out amongst the Doves.
Most were holding hands with a younger child, and several were quietly
re-explaining the rules. I
overheard one Dove ask a hesitant question, and a 4th grader bent down to her
level, saying "Don't worry, I'll show you how to play. It's really fun!" As the game began, a Heron near me was
tagged by a kindergartener. The
older student gave a big smile and dropped dramatically to the ground, saying
"Oh, you got me. Good
job! Keep going!" I was truly impressed, watching twenty
4th and 5th graders, focused not on winning a game, but on modeling good
sportsmanship, playing gently, and making a game fun for younger children. As the Doves went in for lunch, waves
and goodbyes were exchanged among new friends.
Guided recess is an integral part of Prairie Creek's social
curriculum, because it provides a structured space for such relationships to
develop. During the second week of
guided recess the 4/5 classes play teacher-led games with the K/1s. This gives the 4/5s an opportunity to
explore the benefits and challenges of multi-age play through structured games,
while it also prepares both age groups for the multi-age play of the free
recess playground. This morning
the Herons took time to discuss their goals as leaders of the school: to help
younger children, to teach them, to model safe play and good sportsmanship, and
to be someone they look up to.
Today the Doves learned that they can trust the Herons to make their
interactions safe and fun, while the Herons put their goals into practice and
learned what strong leaders they can be. I'm interested to see how these new,
multi-age friendships develop as the year progresses and excited to watch the
Herons continue to grow as leaders in the school. – ET (Elizabeth Treat)
The Rookery 