Recess Ready Pocket Booklet
Part 1
Recess Ready Pocket Booklet
✂️ Assembly: Print, cut along the dashed guidelines, stack pages, and staple on the left edge.
Front Cover
My Recess
Adventure
A Story & Plan for a Fun Recess
Name:
1 The Playground
Recess is Busy!
Recess is a big, exciting time when we go outside. There are many friends running, laughing, and shouting.
The playground has lots of energy, sounds, and action. It is okay if it feels very big!
What are your favorite playground sounds?
2 My Feelings
It's Okay to Feel Worried
Leaving my teacher can feel hard. I might feel worried or have a fast heartbeat.
Feeling nervous is normal. I can take a deep breath, and remember that my teacher is keeping me safe.
My teacher always cares about me!
3 My Calm Tools
I Have Useful Tools
I can protect my ears with my noise-canceling headphones to make sounds softer.
I can also squeeze my pocket fidget or rest in a quiet spot when I need a moment of calm.
My sensory tools help my body feel safe.
Part 2
Recess Ready Pocket Booklet
✂️ Assembly: Print, cut along the dashed guidelines, stack pages, and staple on the left edge.
4 Checking In
The Check-In System
I can give my green Check-In Card to my teacher. This tells them I want to say hello in 10 minutes.
Then, I go to our green check-in bench. My teacher will meet me there for a quick smile and thumbs-up!
A quick check-in keeps us connected.
5 Playtime Choices
Fun and Gentle Activities
Now, I can pick a fun activity. I can try the swings, walk on the track, or blow bubbles.
I can play by myself, or ask a classmate: "Can I play with you?" It's my choice!
What is one calm activity you like to do?
6 Lining Up
Going Back Inside
When the recess bell rings, play is finished. I take a deep breath and walk to my class line.
I did a great job trying recess! I walk back to the classroom, ready for the next part of my day.
I can do hard things!
Back Cover
My Recess Checklist
- Put on my sensory headphones
- Put my fidget in my pocket
- Give my Check-In Card to my teacher
- Meet at the green bench in 10 mins
- Choose a gentle recess activity
🌟 You are ready for recess!
Recess Ready Teacher Guide
Teacher-Facing Guide
Recess Ready
Educator Implementation Guide & Visual Supports
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Focus: Autism Support
The Goal
To ease the anxiety of playground transitions and peer interactions by providing a consistent Sensory Routine and a predictable, visual Teacher Check-In System.
Step-by-Step Implementation
Step 1
Pre-Teach
Read the pocket booklet with the student in a quiet, low-stress environment at least 1 hour before recess. Practice folding the booklet together!
Step 2
Check-In Card
Give the student a physical Check-In Card to hand to you before leaving. Agree on a specific playground spot (e.g., "The Green Bench").
Step 3
Fulfill Check-In
10 minutes into recess, meet the student at the agreed spot. Provide a positive visual feedback loop (thumbs up, smile, 1-min chat).
Suggested Scripting
"Today we are going to look at our Recess Adventure Booklet. Recess can be loud, and that is okay! You have special tools in your pocket to keep you calm. See this green Check-In Card? You can hand it to me before we walk outside. That is our secret signal! In 10 minutes, I will meet you right at the green bench for a quick check-in. You are safe, and you are going to do great."
Playground Environmental Supports
1. Sensory Tools Control
Ensure the student's noise-canceling headphones are on before exiting the school doors. Place a preferred, quiet pocket-sized sensory fidget directly into the student's coat/pants pocket.
2. Designated Quiet Zone
Walk the student around the playground before recess to identify 1-2 quiet, structured spots (e.g., near the track, an oak tree shadow, or a buddy bench). Mark these with visual quiet passes if needed.
1. Pre-teach (Morning) 2. Hand Card (Transition) 3. Play & Check-In (Recess) 4. Reflect (Post-Recess)
Printable Visuals
Recess Visual Cards
✂️ Cut out, write details, and laminate for durable, pocket-sized use.
Check-In Card
Visual Tool 1
My Recess Check-In
I give this card to my teacher before recess.
📍 Meeting Spot: The Green Bench
🤝 We will meet in 10 minutes!
Check-In Card
Spare Card
My Recess Check-In
I give this card to my teacher before recess.
📍 Meeting Spot: ________________