Restoring Joy to Recess: A WTEF Grant Makes the Difference
April 2024
Recess.
That one word sparks anticipation, excitement, and joy in millions of children each day. And it’s an important part of the day for learning – engaging in play at recess helps students stay on-task in the classroom, creates opportunities to share, and teaches students to socialize.
Sarah Becker, second-grade teacher at McClleland Elementary, knows this as well as any teacher. She also knew that the equipment her children were using at recess needed a serious upgrade.
“In the fall, our second grade team noticed that our amount of playground equipment was low and students were playing with balls that were basically flat or falling apart, and they were longing for organizational activities that they could successfully play with their classmates,” Mrs. Becker said. “Because of the lack of equipment, students were playing on the blacktop, but their games ended up with students getting hurt or making unsafe choices. We were hoping adding new activities to recess would help them find productive and engaging play.”
To help pay for that equipment, Mrs. Becker turned to DonorsChoose and the Wayne Township Education Foundation. Funding for the equipment came through, and Mrs. Becker purchased playground items that have made a tremendous difference: soccer balls, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and more.
The impact?
“Students are engaged!” said Mrs. Becker. “Our students entertain each other from the second we get outside to the second we blow our whistles to signal the end for recess. Students are excited to be outside and most importantly they are getting exercise, giving their brain a break, and socializing with their classmates. We have a group of boys that no matter what the weather is, they are out on the field playing soccer. We have another set of girls that come in everyday covered in sidewalk chalk and have left masterpieces behind, along with big smiles on their faces. The jump ropes have probably gotten the most use. They play a variety of creative games with them, and the games usually draw a big crowd.”
Mrs. Becker said the impact in the classroom after time well spent at recess is noticeable as well.
“As second grade teachers, we can tell a difference in student motivation, attitude, and overall performance on the days they go outside to play versus the days they stay inside to play. The time outside is crucial and now that we have the equipment, we are able to still go outside when the playground is wet because the kids can still play on the blacktop with our new equipment.”
Funding provided by WTEF and DonorsChoose, said Mrs. Becker, has been a literal game changer.
“We had these items in the hands of students a month or so after writing the grant, which is absolutely amazing. Without these donations, our team would have provided items sporadically throughout the year with our own money. It took a lot of pressure off our plates, especially at the beginning of the year when we tend to be spending a lot of our own money on our classrooms already. It was even better that through these organizations, we were able to change our students’ experiences at recess for the better in a short amount of time.”
ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.
