From Isolation to Inclusion: Helping Newcomer Students Thrive at Recess

Recess should be a time for laughter, friendship, and freedom. Yet for many newcomer students…especially those who have fled conflict, instability, or long periods without formal schooling, it can be one of the most isolating parts of the day. While other children race to join games and reconnect with friends, newcomer students may hang back, unsure of the rules, the language, or the social dynamics around them.

This is the reality that many educators and recess supervisors face every day…and it’s not a reflection of anyone’s lack of effort or care. 

Our current school systems were not designed for the complex social, emotional, and linguistic needs of newcomer students or English Language Learners (ELLs). The result? Teachers and support staff are often doing heroic work with limited tools and training.

Understanding the Developmental Lens

From a developmental perspective, play is one of the most powerful ways children learn to connect, communicate, and build confidence. For newcomer students, play is also a bridge to belonging…it’s how they begin to understand cultural norms, practice new language skills, and experience safety in a new environment. But to reach this stage, children must first feel secure. Safety and belonging are foundational developmental needs; without them, learning and social participation are almost impossible.

The Role of Families and Background

One of the most effective ways to support newcomer children is by connecting with their parents or guardians. Ask about what recess or free play looked like in their previous environments…if it existed at all. Some children may have spent years in refugee camps or regions where safety concerns limited outdoor play. Understanding this background helps educators interpret behavior not as withdrawal or defiance, but as adaptive responses to unfamiliar or overwhelming settings.

This kind of collaboration not only informs practice but strengthens trust between school and home, which is a cornerstone of successful inclusion.

Creating Safe and Inclusive Play Spaces

Inclusive recess begins with intentionality. Educators and supervisors can:

-Introduce global games that don’t rely heavily on language but encourage teamwork and laughter.

-Model inclusion by pairing newcomer students with empathetic peers or recess buddies.

-Create structured options alongside free play…some children thrive when given clear roles and predictable routines.

-Normalize difference, helping all students understand that play can look different around the world, and that’s something to celebrate.

These small shifts help transform recess from a source of anxiety into a space of healing and connection.

Supporting Educators and Advocating for Change

Educators are on the front lines of inclusion, yet they’re often navigating expectations the system wasn’t built to meet. It’s important to acknowledge this reality without blame. Teachers need time, collaboration, and professional learning opportunities focused on the developmental needs of diverse learners…not just language acquisition, but social and emotional growth, too.

Advocacy begins with self-compassion: recognizing that doing this work well requires both compassion and systemic support. By sharing insights, asking for resources, and approaching inclusion as a collective responsibility, educators can drive meaningful change, not only for newcomer students, but for the entire school community.

Recess can be more than a break.

It can be a bridge, from isolation to inclusion, from fear to friendship. When educators are supported, and when every child feels seen, play becomes what it was always meant to be: a universal language of connection.

Join the Conversation

If you’re passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming play spaces for all students, join me for Reimagining Recess: From Isolation to Inclusion…Helping Newcomer Students Thrive at Recess.

In this free, 30-minute webinar, we’ll explore the developmental science behind belonging, share real-world strategies, and discover how global games can foster safety, joy, and connection on the playground.

Together, we can ensure every child feels that recess is a place they belong.

Tune in live for the Helping Newcomer Students Thrive at Recess Nov 11th, at 6:45pm pst or catch the replay here!