Playground Playmaker Slides
Recess Social Story
Playground Playbook
🏈 New Student Guide
Joining the Football Game
How to watch, walk over, and ask to play at recess.
Step-by-step visual steps You can do it! 🌟
Recess Time Slide 2 of 10
Recess at My New School
🏈
Students Play Outside
Many kids run around and play football on the hot top.
💛
Feeling Nervous is Normal
Being new can feel scary, but there are simple steps to join in!
Ready to learn the play? Let's check the rules next!
Recess Rules Slide 3 of 10
Recess Football Rules
Gentle Touch Only
Football at recess is gentle touch only. No tackling or pushing on the hot top.
Taking Turns
Students take turns playing different positions so everyone gets a chance.
🛡️ Important Difference
Different than Knights Football
Recess football is different than Knights Football, but different can still be fun!
⭐ Safe hands + sharing turns = recess fun!
Next step: How to use friendly body language when approaching the game!
Step 2 Slide 4 of 10
Use Friendly Body Language
😊
Warm Smile
A smile shows others you are friendly and ready to play.
🚶
Calm Walk
Walk over calmly. Do not push or rush into the group.
📏
Two Big Steps
Leave arm's length space so everyone feels comfortable.
💡 Take one slow, deep breath to help your body feel calm!
Step 3 Slide 5 of 10
Words I Can Say (Pick One!)
Script Choice 1
"Hi! Can I play?"
Short, polite, and perfect for when a play finishes.
Script Choice 2
"Hey, do you need an extra player?"
Teams often like having even numbers on both sides!
Practice saying your favorite choice out loud with your teacher!
Outcome 1 Slide 6 of 10
If They Say "YES!"
🙌
Smile and say: "Thank you!"
👕
Ask: "Which team am I on?"
⭐
Cheer on your teammates and have fun!
Good sportsmanship makes recess fun for everyone!
Team Player Slide 7 of 10
Be Flexible and Go With the Flow
🔄
Try a Different Position
It is totally okay to try a different position! I might not play quarterback right away, and that is okay.
Catching, running, and defending are fun too!
🌊
Go With the Flow
Being flexible makes the game enjoyable for everyone and shows others that I am an awesome teammate.
Flexible players make the best friends!
🌟 "I can go with the flow and enjoy playing any position!"
Good Sportsmanship Slide 8 of 10
Kind Words and Safe Bodies
💬
Use Kind Words to Encourage
Cheer on other players! Say things like:
"Nice throw!" • "Great try!" • "Good effort!"
❌ We never use unkind words or blame others.
🛡️
Keep My Body Safe
Everyone feels safe when we control our bodies:
Gentle touch • Give personal space • Stay in control
❌ Never get physical, shove, or crowd anyone.
🌟 Kind words + safe bodies = a great game for everyone!
Outcome 2 Slide 9 of 10
If They Say "Not Right Now"
😌
That is Okay
Sometimes teams are already full or recess is almost over.
Say: "No problem! Maybe tomorrow!"
🎯
Try a Backup Plan
There are many other fun activities to try:
- • Join four-square or basketball
- • Toss catch with a classmate nearby
- • Cheer for the teams from the sideline
Asking took courage. You should be proud of trying!
Playground Playmaker Slide 10 of 10
You Can Do It!
Every time you practice asking, it gets a little easier and more fun.
Watch • Smile • Ask • Play!
Have an amazing recess today!