I am excited to announce that our upper playground will be getting a NEW Buddy Bench soon! We had one 5 years ago that was made out of wood, but due to our Wisconsin weather, it just didn't stand the test of time. On our Cinder Lot playground, we have a red Buddy Bench that students can use as well. With our unique playground set up (how many kids get TWO playgrounds?!?!?) a second Buddy Bench is a treat!
Kindergarten and 1st grade students are learning how to use this tool, which was initially developed by a boy named Christian and included "rules" for using the bench. Students are asked to "Have a plan" before heading out to recess and then if that plan doesn't work, they are encouraged to ask at least one other playground friend to play. Ideally at this point, the problem will be solved because we also have the rule "Can't Say Can't Play", so if anyone asks if we can join in kickball, 4-square etc., we cannot exclude! If for some reason or another this person says "no", we can then go sit on the Buddy Bench! As we sit, we look around for someone to play with and if someone asks us to play while we are on that bench, we have to say YES! I teach students that it is my hope that no one ever has to sit on our bench - because if our bench is empty it means that everyone is being included and is enjoying recess! :)
Ask your student about how our Buddy Bench works and see how it brightens up our playground!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment