Transitioning between activities can be challenging, particularly when moving from the classroom to recess, which can be highly stimulating. There are strategies to support children in feeling comfortable during this shift.

Allow the child to go out five minutes earlier. This time can be used to get dressed without distractions, helping them focus and successfully prepare for recess.

Establish a schedule so the child knows when recess is approaching. This helps them mentally prepare for the transition and plan the necessary steps to get ready.

Use a visual schedule to show the day's plan. This aids the child in anticipating upcoming activities and initiates their preparation process.

Recess involves numerous activities, and if your child needs to change clothes to go outside, practice at home is beneficial. Teaching them how to put on boots or snow pants ensures that this task becomes easier to manage.

Once at recess, children are exposed to numerous stimuli such as peers running around, noise, and various distractions, which can be overwhelming. Providing headphones to reduce noise or following the child's lead to a preferred play area can help manage these feelings. Playing together or having a "recess buddy" can make the experience more manageable.

Introducing a transitional toy can provide comfort and calmness as the child moves outside. Modeling how to use playground equipment or toys, or demonstrating popular play activities, can greatly assist in helping the child feel successful and confident outside.

Tips for Preparing Your Child for School Recess

·       Introduce a transitional toy for comfort and calmness outside.

·       Model the use of playground equipment and demonstrate popular play activities.

·       Provide headphones to reduce noise and follow the child's lead to a preferred play area.

·       Play together or arrange for a "recess buddy" to make the experience more manageable.

·       Practice changing clothes for outside activities at home (e.g., putting on boots or snow pants).

·       Use a visual schedule to show the day's plan and aid in anticipating activities.

·       Establish a schedule to help the child mentally prepare for recess.

·       Allow the child to go out five minutes earlier to get dressed without distractions.