Teacher Margaret's "View From My Window" - November 7th

Dear Westfield Friends,

Every person who has ever been in school remembers recess. Some children will tell you that this is the best part of the day! At Westfield all of our children have recess. Preschool children play in the morning and then late in the afternoon after rest time. PreK and Kindergarten students have their own time on the playground before their Peace Time. Students in grades 1-8 have recess when they first arrive and after lunch. This free choice, unstructured time provides children with necessary opportunities for imaginary play, conflict resolution, burning off steam, and emotional regulation.

Recently, after lunch, I took a clockwise stroll around the perimeter of the playground. Some children float from one activity to another, others stay with the same game the entire recess.  All of these games and activities are organized and sustained by the children. There are five adults quietly watching and moving from place to place. They are ready to step in if someone appears to be hurt or inconsolable. Importantly, these adults will let minor disagreements play out so that children learn how to find their own resolutions.

Here is a snapshot of the fluid, cross-age groups, and games I witnessed happening. 

A few children are at the picnic tables playing with cartoon character figures

On the blacktop are two groups of children in four square competitions. I hear a bit of arguing about whether or not a ball is in, and then cheers when the round lasts more than five passes.

Inside the fence, a large group of children from 8th to 2nd grades are playing touch football. The quarterbacks are two older boys who throw the ball with a fair amount of equity to even the smallest players. Amazingly, they respect the large area of the field set aside for them (no lines to remind them) and mostly avoid crossing into other areas. 

Just past the football game, on the shady side of the field adjacent to Hill Top Road, a group of girls is practicing a dance lift. 

Further towards the back, children are climbing and chatting on the red climber. From the top, they gain a view of the rest of the playground. They also find the height a good place for a quick pause from their friends. Did I mention that they are building upper body strength when they climb?

Next to them, several children are taking turns on the swings. The swinging motion is a wonderful way for children to self-regulate and reset strong emotions. Some children are talking with friends as they swing and others are single-mindedly focused on the motion and how high they can go.

Behind them, in the shade by the fence parallel to Meeting House Road, several girls are helping each other do handstands, cartwheels, and back bends.

There are older children sitting on the bench in the back corner chatting with a teacher.

Continuing around, two groups of children are sitting at the picnic tables drawing.  

A checkers game is underway on the chess table. 

A few 1st and 2nd graders are playing in the sandbox. 

We finish with a mixed group of largely 1st to 4th-grade students playing gaga.

In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt argues that free play is one of the most important things we can do to support healthy childhood development and reduce the incidence of anxiety. He has partnered with groups who are trying to convince schools to return recess to the day.

Play has always been a part of Westfield’s students’ days. What happens on the playground is as important as any learning in other parts of the school and how we support the whole child.

Thank you for sharing your children with us.

Warmly,

Margaret Haviland

______________

Announcements:

• 8th Grade Query for November: How does actively looking for that of God in everyone help us at Westfield Friends School?
• November 9 ~ Preschool BYOC Playdate 9:30-10:30 AM
• November 12 ~ Demonstration of Learning Prek-8th Grades 6:30-8:00 PM - your children are excited to share their learning with you!
• November 19 ~ Preschool 2 & 3 Early Childhood Literacy Program 6:30-7:30 PM
• November 22 ~ First Trimester Ends. Look for report cards for Grades Prek-8 before Thanksgiving. Preschool 2 and Preschool 3 report cards after Thanksgiving
• November 27-December 1~ School closed for Thanksgiving