Page 15 - FIS_World_May_2015

Recess Resources
Mixing Materials and Imagination
Plastic barrels, old tarps and used tires aren’t items one would typically find on a school playground. But at FISW, students are having a grand time incorporating
them into their everyday play.
The idea to add unconventional “toys” at recess came from an experiment in the UK where teachers introduced obscure materials to school playgrounds to see if they might benefit students’ free play and overall behavior in school. At FISW, it has worked.
Among the increased activity and creativity teachers have seen at playtimes, perhaps the most notable observation is that children are solving problems and playing together in ways that don’t revolve around rules. Instead of playing with things the “right or wrong” way, they are creating new collaborative and fun experiences for all.
At FISW, students are never told what an item is specifically used for, it simply appears. New materials often create a buzz on the playground as students discover, examine and begin to play with them. Some of the most popular items have included broken skis, a skateboard without wheels, two-meter long drainpipes, and old briefcases.
Sharp, splintered or potentially dangerous items don’t make it to the playground, but nearly everything else is viable. One of the biggest challenges with the addition of new materials is ensuring that existing playground equipment is actually being used as intended. Otherwise, everything becomes fair game for inventive purposes. “Our plastic basketball hoops are sometimes found in the sandpit being used as ramps,” said FISW Principal Andrea Rosinger.
Of course, there are downsides to the initiative, too. “It’s often a shame that we have to go in when so much learning is taking place outside,” said Ms. Rosinger. “Plus, tidying up can be a chore.”
Despite any downsides, Ms. Rosinger contends that she wouldn’t go back to being without the extra playground items. “Our motto is, ‘don’t throw it out, check to see if our children can use it for creative play first.’ Someone will usually find a great way to use it. And we are developing a whole crowd of inventors, problem solvers and engineers – just by letting them!”
Ricky Donnelly, FIS World Staff
October 2015 FIS World 13