Lesson Plan
Join the Playground Fun!
Students will learn and practice strategies for joining games and activities on the playground, fostering inclusive play and social confidence.
Learning how to join games is crucial for building friendships and feeling included. It helps students overcome shyness, reduces misunderstandings, and ensures everyone has a chance to participate and have fun during recess.
Audience
Kindergarten
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, role-playing, and a cool-down reflection.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Join the Playground Fun! Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
- Prepare to project the Playground Fun Slides.
- Print enough copies of the Cool Down Ticket for each student.
Step 1
Introduction: What is the Playground?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students what they love about the playground. (2 minutes)
- Discuss how sometimes it can be tricky to join a game that's already started. Ask students if they've ever felt unsure how to join. (3 minutes)
- Teacher will use Playground Fun Slides and Joining In Script for this section.
Step 2
Learning How to Join In
10 minutes
- Introduce three simple steps for joining a game: Observe, Ask, Join! (5 minutes)
- Observe: Watch the game for a minute to understand the rules.
- Ask: Politely ask, "Can I play?" or "Is there room for one more?"
- Join!: If they say yes, join in! If not, find another game or invite someone to play with you.
- Teacher will use Playground Fun Slides and Joining In Script for this section.
Step 3
Practice Time: Role-Playing
10 minutes
- Lead a short role-playing activity. Model scenarios where students practice observing, asking, and joining. (5 minutes)
- Have a few volunteers demonstrate. (5 minutes)
- Teacher will use Playground Fun Slides and Joining In Script for this section.
Step 4
Cool Down: Reflection
5 minutes
- Distribute the Cool Down Ticket. (1 minute)
- Ask students to draw or write one way they can join a game on the playground. (4 minutes)
- Collect tickets to assess understanding. (Optional)
- Teacher will use Playground Fun Slides and Joining In Script for this section.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Playground Fun!
What do you love to do on the playground?
Welcome students and ask them what they love about recess and playing on the playground.
Joining a Game
Have you ever wanted to play, but felt shy or unsure how to join a game that's already started?
Acknowledge that sometimes it can be tricky to join a game. Ask for a show of hands if anyone has ever felt unsure how to join a game that's already started.
Step 1: OBSERVE
Watch the game! 👀
- What are they playing?
- What are the rules?
- Who is playing?
Introduce the first step: Observe. Emphasize watching quietly.
Step 2: ASK
Politely ask to join! 🗣️
- "Can I play?"
- "Is there room for one more?"
Introduce the second step: Ask. Practice polite ways to ask.
Watch this video to see how to join in the fun! 🎉
Introduce the third step: Join! Explain what to do if the answer is yes, and what to do if the answer is no (find another game or invite someone else).
Script
Joining In Script
Introduction: What is the Playground?
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 1)
"Good morning, everyone! Who here loves going to the playground? What are some of your favorite things to do when you get outside?"
(Allow a few students to share their favorite activities.)
"That sounds like so much fun! The playground is a great place to run, jump, swing, and play with our friends."
Joining a Game
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 2)
"Sometimes, when we get to the playground, we see our friends already playing a game. Maybe they are playing tag, or building a castle in the sandbox. Has anyone ever wanted to join a game, but felt a little shy or unsure how to ask?"
(Wait for a show of hands and acknowledge their feelings. "It's okay to feel that way!")
"Today, we're going to learn three super-duper steps that will help us join games on the playground and have even more fun!"
Learning How to Join In: Observe, Ask, Join!
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 3)
"Our first step is OBSERVE! This means we take a moment to watch the game. Like a detective, you watch to see: What are they playing? What are the rules? Who is playing? This helps you understand what's happening so you can jump in when it's your turn."
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 4)
"Our second step is ASK! Once you know what's going on, you can politely ask to join. You can say something like, 'Can I play?' or 'Is there room for one more?' Remember to use a friendly voice and smile!"
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 5)
"And our third step is JOIN! If your friends say 'Yes!', then yay! You can join the fun! But what if they say 'No'? It's okay! Sometimes games are full, or they are playing something specific. If they say no, you can find another game to join, or even better, invite someone else to play a new game with you! There's always fun to be had."
Practice Time: Role-Playing
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 6)
"Now, let's practice! I need some amazing actors and actresses to help me show everyone how it works. Who would like to be the 'players' and who wants to practice 'joining in'?"
(Choose a few volunteers. Set up a simple scenario, e.g., two students are pretending to build a sandcastle, another student wants to join. Guide the students through the Observe, Ask, Join steps. Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.)
"Wonderful job, everyone! You all did a fantastic job observing, asking, and joining! Remember, practice makes perfect."
Cool Down: Reflection
(Teacher displays Playground Fun Slides - Slide 7)
"To finish up our lesson today, I have a special Cool Down Ticket for each of you. On this ticket, I'd like you to draw or write one way you can join a game on the playground. You can draw yourself observing, or saying 'Can I play?', or anything else you learned today!"
(Distribute the Cool Down Ticket and allow students to complete it. Collect tickets when done.)
"Thank you for being such great listeners and participants today! I can't wait to see you all using these super steps on the playground!"
Worksheet
Cool Down: Join the Playground Fun!
Name: _________________________
Draw or write one way you can join a game on the playground!
What would you say to ask to join a game?