What Is Happening At Recess Today?

Learn practical strategies to enhance recess at our school and see firsthand how our full training can make a lasting impact

• Create a positive, inclusive playing environment for every child
• Develop proactive approaches to reduce bullying and conflicts
• Empower staff to guide and model healthy, supportive recess play

What’s Inside the Free Resource Kit?

Unlock a powerful set of tools your team can use right away:

✅ Printable Conflict Resolution Posters
Simple, visual tools kids can use to resolve issues on their own.

✅ Quick-Reference Guide for Staff
Fast coaching prompts your team can use mid-recess to de-escalate conflict.

✅ Introductory Training Video + Reflection Prompt
Shift your staff’s perspective on recess with this short, impactful video.

✅ Bonus: Supporting Middle School Recess
Get tailored strategies for older students facing complex social dynamics.

Reimagining Recess Parenting Hand Educators Stream

Transforming Recess into a Place of Belonging, Confidence, and Joy

The Parenting Hand Educators Stream was designed for school staff who care deeply about
student well-being but feel stuck when it comes to creating a better recess experience. Whether
you're a teacher, education assistant, administrator, or noon-hour supervisor, this program will
help you shift recess from a daily stress point to a powerful opportunity for growth, connection,
and inclusion.

With over 30 years of experience in child development... including direct school-based work as a
child and youth care counsellor, this training reflects both professional expertise and deep
respect for the realities of school life today. It blends research-based strategies with practical, on-
the-ground tools.

 A Shift in Mindset: From Supervision to Support
Children aren’t just “letting off steam” at recess...they’re navigating complex social interactions,
regulating big emotions, and developing lifelong habits about inclusion, confidence, and
resilience. They need more than rules and whistles. They need guidance, modeling, and
meaningful choices.

The Parenting Hand Educators Stream invites staff to reimagine recess as a teachable
environment... one where students are coached through challenges and celebrated for creative,
cooperative play.

Why the Balance of Structure and Choice Matters

These resources and training modules equip educators to create recess environments that are neither chaotic nor overly
controlled.

When recess has structure without stifling choice, children flourish.

They feel safe, seen, and free to participate in ways that suit their personality, needs, and developmental stage.

You’ll learn how to:
 

 Set up simple routines that reduce exclusion and prevent conflict.

Introduce inclusive games with clear entry points for all skill levels

 Offer options that support students who need alternatives to

competitive play.

What’s Included in the Full Reimagining Recess Training?

 ✅ 7 Practical Modules on inclusive play, behaviour supports, game-based learning, and
more

 ✅ Facilitator Guide + Slide Deck for group staff training or school-wide use

✅ Conflict Resolution Quick Reference Guide Sheets & posters for staff and student use

✅ Sensory Corner Set-Up Guide for creating quiet, regulated spaces outdoors or indoors

✅ Posters, Calendars & Printable's tailored for both primary and intermediate grades

✅ Bonus Tools: Indoor recess strategies, team-building ideas, scripts for social coaching

Structured flexibility is at the heart of this approach, because every child deserves access to
meaningful, enjoyable play.

 A Program for Staff Who Are Ready to Lead Change (Even in Small Steps)

You don’t need to overhaul everything. You just need small, intentional shifts, with tools that
work in your real-life context. If you:

See students struggling but aren’t sure how to help

Want more peace and joy at recess but feel overwhelmed

Believe in the power of play and inclusion

Are ready for positive, realistic, and achievable ideas

My name is Renée Austin. I’m a mother of three wonderful adult children and have spent over 30 years working closely with children and families in schools, homes, and communities. With a Master’s degree in Child and Youth Care and certifications in parenting coaching and sensory integration, I’ve dedicated my life to helping children thrive by supporting the adults who care for them.

Through my work, I’ve seen how powerful the right guidance and tools can be in creating safe, nurturing environments where children feel included, respected, and confident. I’m passionate about turning recess, the time kids often dread, into their favourite part of the day, where they can play, connect, and grow.

I created Reimagining Recess because I believe every child deserves that chance. I’m honored to share my experience and passion with schools committed to making recess a time of joy and belonging.