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Recess Ready

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Lesson Plan

Recess Ready Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice expected recess behaviors through a personalized social story, guided discussion, and role‐play to build social understanding and ease transitions.

Kindergarteners often feel anxious about unstructured play; this targeted session boosts confidence, reduces behavioral challenges, and supports positive social interactions during recess.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Social story paired with discussion and role‐play

Materials

  • Recess Ready Social Story, - Printed Feelings Faces Chart, - Recess Visual Cue Cards, and - Role-Play Props (e.g., ball, jump rope)

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the full Recess Ready Social Story ahead of the session.
  • Gather role‐play props (ball, jump rope, toy figures).
  • Print and laminate the Feelings Faces Chart.
  • Organize Recess Visual Cue Cards for discussion.

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain you’ll read a story about playing at recess.
  • Set a positive tone: "We’ll learn how to have fun and stay safe together."

Step 2

Read Social Story

5 minutes

  • Read Recess Ready Social Story aloud.
  • Pause at key pages to highlight behaviors: waiting turns, sharing, using equipment safely.

Step 3

Discussion

3 minutes

  • Ask open questions:
    • "What do you do when you want a turn on the slide?"
    • "How can you show friends it’s their turn?"
  • Use the Feelings Faces Chart to label emotions the student might feel at recess.

Step 4

Role-Play

3 minutes

  • Use props to act out scenarios:
    • Taking turns with a ball.
    • Lining up when recess ends.
  • Prompt the student to demonstrate expected behaviors and praise attempts.

Step 5

Reflection & Reinforcement

2 minutes

  • Praise the student’s participation and review one focus goal (e.g., waiting patiently).
  • Encourage the student to try this goal during the next recess and remind them you’ll check in later.
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Reading

Recess Ready Social Story

I am ready for recess

I am in my classroom. It is time for recess. I feel excited and happy.
Picture: A child smiling and putting on a jacket.

Going outside

When the teacher says, “Recess time,” I line up quietly.
I walk with my friends to the playground.
Picture: Children walking in a line toward swings and slides.

Waiting for a turn

At the playground, I see swings and slides. I wait my turn.
I count silently: one, two, three—now it’s my turn!
Picture: A child counting while waiting in line for the slide.

Playing nicely together

I can share the ball with friends.
I ask, “Can I play too?”
My friends say, “Yes!” and we pass the ball kindly.
Picture: Children smiling and passing a ball.

Taking a break if I need one

If I feel tired or upset, I can take a break.
I walk to the bench or ask a teacher for help.
It is okay to rest and feel calm.
Picture: A child sitting on a bench and taking a deep breath.

Listening for the signal

When the teacher blows the whistle, I know recess is ending.
I stop playing and line up quickly.
I bring any playground equipment back to the bin.
Picture: Children lining up with balls and jump ropes.

I can have fun and stay safe

Recess is a time to play and learn.
I follow the rules, share, and wait my turn.
I can have fun and stay safe at recess!
Picture: A child giving a thumbs-up at the playground.

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