Redesigning the Recess Experience
Our goal is to thoughtfully design lush, inviting outdoor landscapes that support meaningful, inclusive opportunities for social connection, mindfulness, creativity, and all kinds of play.
During the school day, children need regular opportunities to play, socialize, rest, and re-energize. These opportunities improve mood, well-being, resilience, and social harmony - factors that are foundational to learning and school engagement. These are the things that give 'life' to a school because they focus on children's most fundamental social, emotional, and developmental needs. Read on to learn more about the art and science of this important childhood space.
We work with schools and boards to:
- Ensure recess is an integral part of the school ecosystem and school-wide improvement efforts;
- Leverage user-centred, evidence-based approaches to transform barren and soulless schoolyards into lush, sustainable, and exciting landscapes;
- Create a culture that nurtures positive social interaction, contentment, engagement, and happiness;
- Ensure school playspaces are fully inclusive and accessible - socially and physically.
What's new?
- Dr. McNamara is now a member of the Royal Society of Canada's Working Group on Children and Schools!
- Read Lauren's article (with Pasi Sahlberg) in the Conversation Canada: Kids will need recess more than ever when returning to school. Over 75,000 reads!
- In partnership with Physical and Health Education Canada, we've created a library of tips, tools and resources to support quality recess planning and implementation for all children and youth. Check it out at #TalkAboutRecess
- See Concrete Strategies for Recess During COVID from the newly formed Global Recess Alliance.
- Just released! Our National Position Statement on Recess (with Physical and Health Education Canada).
- Ready to develop policies to support and protect recess? See our recommendations here.
- See our webinar But What About Recess?