Officials at École Westhaven Elementary School, in Edson, say they are seeing positive changes on the playground and in the classroom after implementing a new program, “The Recess Project.”
Coordinated by Family Liaison School Counsellor Shannon Smith and Wellness Navigator Brianne Benson, the project encourages students to not just participate in playground games, but actively lead and facilitate them.
The initiative strives for three core outcomes:
- Building physical literacy to give students the confidence to move well
- Introducing structured games to keep everyone engaged
- Cultivating positive leadership traits that extend far beyond the schoolyard
Crucial to the program’s success are its Junior Recess Leaders (JRL), consisting of Grade 4 and 5 student volunteers. Officials say these are positions of responsibility that require specialized training in effective leadership, verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening and conflict resolution. These volunteers also practice social-emotional skills by validating their peers’ feelings while establishing healthy boundaries.
Grande Yellowhead Public School Division representatives say the impact of the project is already being felt throughout Westhaven Elementary. By encouraging a mentorship dynamic between older and younger students, they say the playground has become more inclusive and cooperative. Problem-solving techniques learned during games are also translating into the classroom, with students navigating interpersonal challenges more independently.
In an increasingly digital world, organizers say “The Recess Project” demonstrates the benefits of active, face-to-face connection through movement, play and mutual support.
