Forum Topic: Happy Lunchtimes

Discussion

• Posted by: carol25 at at 31 March 2008 - 17:23

  our children take part in a play leaders scheme run each lunchtime by Year 6 pupils and timetabled for Years 3 to 6. This was set up by the PE coordinator after attending courses and receiving lots of equipment as a result – skipping ropes,balls, all sorts from Carol25, Cumbria

• Posted by: Michelle Guy Editor Junior Ed PLUS at at 01 April 2008 - 13:27

  Hi Mark and Carol25, The June issue of Junior Ed PLUS, out at the end of May, has a main theme focus on outdoor learning. We have one article that might be of particular interest featuring three schools who have set up a Super Leaders programme, encouraging children to run PE/fitness sessions during lunchtimes. We’ve also got ideas for you and your class to make your own outdoor games, including skittles and colour walls. Both articles should inspire ideas for happy playtimes! As well as in the print magazine, the articles will also be available online. Let us know what you think.

• Posted by: veteran at at 13 April 2008 - 19:11

  We used to have a system of peer mediators to try to solve playtime issues, but found the children reluctant to respond to or approach them. So we have now trained our Year 5 children to be playtime buddies (all interested on a rota) for the infant children. They organise small games at lunchtimes in a sectioned off area of the playground using fairly basic equipment. They also run Kick Start dance sessions each break time in the hall for individual infant year groups (again on a rota). The adult supervision is on a voluntary basis in the hall (works out about once every three weeks)- teachers and support assistants have joined the rota; outdoor is kept an eye on by the lunchtime controllers.

  We decided on Year 5 to do this as Year 6 already have a lot of whole school responsibilities. After two terms, it is deemed a success.

  veteran

• Posted by: JeniS at at 20 May 2008 - 13:29

  A number of local councils run seminars on lunchtime play planning and resourcing which is a great way to enthuse MSAs to being proactive in the playground. Another useful source of information can be found at Edventure, a company which specialises in playtime games. It has a free sample playground policy which helps guide you through the steps needed to make playtimes more positive.