This month marked a significant step forward in our schoolwide implementation of Playworks strategies, thanks to funding from the Gladstone Education Foundation and John Wetten Elementary Parent Faculty Organization.
Through staff training, classroom lessons and recess support, Playworks has been fully implemented across John Wetten Elementary to support recess and transitions. The impact has been noticeable. Students are demonstrating smoother transitions, increased engagement during recess and clearer understanding of expectations across settings. Staff have reported improved consistency and shared language around movement, games and regulation.
An important extension of this work has been the launch of Junior Coaches from fourth and fifth grades. These student leaders support recess by helping remind peers of new game rules, modeling inclusive play and assisting with low-level conflict resolution. Junior Coaches are trained to guide students through problem-solving strategies such as Rock It Out (rock–paper–scissors) as a quick, fair way to resolve disagreements and return to play. This leadership role has increased student ownership, reduced conflict escalation and reinforced positive peer interactions.