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Goal

Goal: To enhance 4th grade student academic performance, classroom behavior, and school culture by providing structured physical engagement opportunities during recess through new equipment and resources. 

 

Category

Other -  

 

What will be done with my students

Teamwork & Engagement Equipment Ideas
Active Play & Movement
Portable Gaga Ball Pit – Great for teamwork, strategy, and inclusive play.
Parachute Play Set – Classic for cooperative games that build communication and coordination.
Tug-of-War Rope – Encourages strength, teamwork, and friendly competition.
Obstacle Course Kits – Use cones, hurdles, and agility ladders to create rotating stations.
Group Jump Ropes & Hula Hoops – Promote rhythm, coordination, and shared challenges.
Sports & Team Games
Class Set of Foam Balls – Safe for dodgeball, kickball, and catch games.
Portable Soccer Goals & Balls – Easy setup for recess soccer matches.
Basketballs for already installed basketball hoops –great for team play.
Flag Football Set – Includes belts and soft footballs for safe, strategic play.
Creative & Social Play
Giant Jenga or Connect Four – Builds patience, turn-taking, and strategic thinking.
Chalk & Stencils for Blacktop Games – Let students create hopscotch, mazes, or art zones.
Recess Game Cart – Organize all materials in one mobile unit for easy access and cleanup.
SEL & Mindfulness Zones (Rainy inside days)
Sensory Path Mats or Tiles – Great for calming movement and self-regulation.
Buddy Bench or Conversation Corner – Promotes inclusion and emotional support.

Project Timeline:
October/November 2025
Grant Award Notification
Finalize equipment list and place orders
Coordinate with administration for storage and setup plans
November 2025
Equipment delivery and setup
Introduce new recess routines and teamwork games
Begin baseline data collection (PM1 scores, behavior logs, student surveys/reflections)
December 2025 – February 2026
Weekly use of equipment during recess
Teacher observations
Monitor behavior and engagement trends
March 2026
Midpoint evaluation
Compare FAST PM2 scores and behavior data
Adjust recess activities based on student feedback
April – May 2026
Continued use of equipment with focus on teamwork and inclusion
Final student surveys and teacher reflections
FAST PM3 data collection
May 2026
Final evaluation report
Share results with school leadership and Walton Education Foundation
Celebrate student growth and teamwork with a Recess Showcase Day 

 

Benefits to my students

Supporting Research & Evidence:
Academic & Behavioral Benefits
A systematic review found that recess improves sustained attention, problem-solving, and academic achievement, especially when students return to class after physical activity and social engagement. Recess also supports executive function and on-task behavior, which are critical for learning.

Classroom Culture & Positivity
Stanford research shows that well-organized recess programs foster a positive school climate, reduce bullying, and increase student engagement. Teachers reported improved classroom behavior and stronger peer relationships when recess was structured and inclusive.

Social-Emotional Development
Oregon State University found that recess quality—not just duration—correlates with better resilience, self-control, and adaptive classroom behaviors. Adult engagement and access to diverse play options significantly boost these outcomes.

Cognitive Performance
Recess has been shown to increase sustained attention and creativity in students, especially when they engage in outdoor play with varied equipment. These cognitive boosts directly support learning in core subjects like reading and math.

Not only will this benefit my students, but me as well. Recess can be a tool for stress relief, social skill development, and refocusing students for academic tasks. Recess help me promote a positive learning environment, improve my student characters/behaviors and build rapport.

Measuring the Impact of Having Recess Resources
1. Academic Growth
Metric: Compare student performance from Progress Monitoring 1 (PM1) to Progress Monitoring 3 (PM3) using FAST scores in Reading and Math.
Goal: Show a measurable increase in student scores, especially among Tier 2 and Tier 3 students.
Tool: Use district FAST data reports and Lexia/IXL progress tracking

Behavior & Engagement
Metric: Track number of Behavior Interventions/Social Contract/Behavior Tracking Forms/Referrals
Goal: Decrease in behavior referrals and increase in student focus pre/post recess.
Tool: Teacher/Student Behavior Cards, Tracking Forms.
 

 

Budget Narrative

To support 4th grade student engagement, teamwork, and social-emotional development during recess, this project requests a variety of equipment designed to promote active play and inclusive collaboration. Supplies include basketballs for use with existing hoops, a soccer kit with balls and portable goals, a parachute play set for cooperative games, foam balls for safe team activities, and an obstacle course kit to encourage movement and challenge. A recess game cart will help organize and store materials efficiently. Additionally, to ensure students continue benefiting from structured engagement during inclement weather, the project includes resources for an indoor SEL and mindfulness zone. This space will feature calming sensory tools, movement mats, and quiet games like Giant Jenga or Connect Four to foster emotional regulation, peer connection, and a positive classroom culture—even on rainy days.

 

 

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