Playground Pals Facilitator Guide Social Skills & Recess Integration Group Size: 1 Target Student + 4-5 Peers
Playground Pals Facilitator Guide
Teaching personal space boundaries, gentle touch, and high-engagement cooperative games on the blacktop.
Student Focus
Verbal, enthusiastic, but seeks sensory contact via rough play, grabbing, or pushing peers.
Setting & Equipment
Blacktop / playground boundary. Chalk, poly spots, 1 foam noodle cut to 12", playground ball.
Target Replacement
Arm's-length "Body Bubble", soft two-finger touch or object tag, verbal calls instead of grabs.
Pacing Models
20-Minute Core Express Fast Focus
Min 0-4: Model "Body Bubble" with chalk circle & arm check.Min 4-16: Play Shadow Tag (Zero body contact required).Min 16-20: Quick debrief, buddy high-fives, sticker stamp.
40-Minute Recess Mastery Extended
Min 0-7: Rule demo + roleplay: "Check in with friends' faces".Min 7-20: Game 1: Traffic Light Express (poly spots).Min 20-33: Game 2: Foam Wand Tag or Shadow Tag .Min 33-40: Buddy choice round + cool-down reflection.
Explicit Pre-Game Instruction (Direct Modeling)
1 Body Bubble
Have each child extend arms out in a circle. Draw a chalk circle around them. "This is your space bubble. Keep arms inside unless invited!"
2 Two-Finger Butterfly
Replace whole-hand grabbing or shoving with a light two-finger touch strictly on the shoulder or upper back. Practice on facilitator first.
3 Face Check
Teach the visual cue: "Look at their face. Smiling = fun. Frowning or walking away = take 2 steps back."
Core Structured Games (Zero-to-Low Contact)
Game 1 Zero Contact
Shadow Tag (Playground / Sunny Blacktop)
How it works: The "Tagger" tries to step onto a classmate's shadow on the ground rather than touching their physical body. When the shadow is stepped on, they shout "Shadow Tag!" and switch roles.
Why it works: Satisfies active chasing impulses while physical distance is naturally enforced.
Game 2 Self-Regulation
Traffic Light Express with Spot Islands
How it works: Lay poly spots 6 feet apart across the blacktop. Caller yells "Green Light" (run/jog), "Yellow Light" (tiptoe), "Red Light" (freeze on the nearest spot). If 2 kids run toward 1 spot, practice: "You take it, I'll take this one!"
Why it works: Trains inhibitory control and braking before running into peers.
Playground Pals Resource Suite • Lesson Facilitator Guide Page 1 of 2
Facilitation Tools & In-the-Moment Coaching
Field Protocols
Additional High-Engagement Blacktop Games
Foam Wand "Soft Touch" Tag
Tactile Buffer
Tagger holds a 12" cut pool noodle segment. They must tap friends below the shoulders with the noodle tip. The soft foam acts as a tangible buffer, eliminating aggressive grip, pushing, or wrestling.
Blacktop Four Corners Callout
No-Contact Team
Chalk 4 big squares labelled 1, 2, 3, 4. One student in center closes eyes and counts to 10 while peers choose a corner. Center caller picks a number without looking. That corner does 5 jumping jacks together!
In-the-Moment Redirection Scripts (Facilitator Cheatsheet)
When he grabs or shoves:
Step calmly between. "Freeze bodies. Hands down. Remember your Body Bubble. Let's reset: two steps back and use words: 'Can I tag you?'"
When he gets overly excited:
Give a motor replacement. "Big energy! Give me 3 giant stomps or a floor push-up, then back into the game."
When a peer pulls away:
Prompt visual reading. "Look at Maya's face. She's stepping back. What does that mean? Yes, more space. Give her a thumbs up."
Peer Buddy Coaching (Prep the 4-5 Peers)
Clear "Stop" Hand Signal: Teach peers to hold up an open palm and say in a firm, neutral voice: "Space please!" instead of screaming or running away.
Celebrate Gentle Tagging: Coach peers to immediately reinforce safe touch: "Nice soft tag!" or "Good catch, your turn to run!"
Session Observational Log
Date: ____________ • Session # _____
Target Behavior Independent Prompted Facilitator Notes Maintained "Body Bubble" during running/chasing [ ] [ ] e.g. slowed down at 3 feet Used soft touch or verbal tag instead of grabbing [ ] [ ] e.g. used 2-finger shoulder touch Responded to peer "Space please" cue [ ] [ ] e.g. stepped back within 3 sec
Playground Pals Resource Suite • Lesson Facilitator Guide Page 2 of 2
Playground Cue Cards Handout Cut & Carry Visual Supports Lanyard & Pocket Sized (Cut along dashed lines)
Recess Pal Visual Cue Cards
Laminate and place on rings for the student pocket, peer buddy, or staff lanyard on the blacktop.
Body Bubble Rule 1
Arm's Length Space
Stretch your arms out. If you can touch someone, take 2 steps back !
"I protect your space!"
Safe Hands Meter Rule 2
NO Grabbing / Pushing
2-Finger Shoulder Tap
High Five / Fist Bump
"Gentle hands make friends smile!"
Face Radar Check In
😊 Smiling Having fun!
😟 Frowning / Backing Step back now!
"Look at the eyes & mouth!"
Magic Recess Words Voice
To join: "Can I play?"
Need space: "Space please!"
End round: "Good game!"
"Words work better than hands!"
Shadow Tag Rules Game 1
• Step on the ground shadow.
• Zero touching peers' clothes or body.
• Call out: "Shadow Tag!"
• Switch taggers with a thumbs up!
"Fast feet, zero bumping!"
Traffic Light Express Game 2
• Green: Jog in open spaces.
• Yellow: Tiptoe & find an open spot.
• Red: Freeze on 1 spot island.
• 1 friend per spot. Arms check!
"Find your spot and freeze!"
Playground Pals Resource Suite • Printable Cue Cards Page 1 of 2
Playground Hero Scorecard
Complete during or after the group game session on the blacktop.
Daily Goal Sheet
Student Name:
Date:
My 3 Recess Superpowers
Mission 1: Body Bubble Shield
I kept an arm's distance away from peers and slowed down before stopping.
🛡️
Mission 2: Gentle Hands & Soft Touch
No grabbing, shoving, or wrestling. I used soft 2-finger tag, high fives, or shadow tags.
✋
Mission 3: Space Listening
When a friend said "Space please!" or looked worried, I took 2 big steps back.
👂
Peer Buddy High-Five Board
Collect a signature, stamp, or high-five star from each player!
Buddy 1
Name / Stamp
Buddy 2
Name / Stamp
Buddy 3
Gentle Touch Lesson Guide Lesson 2 of 10 • Touch Boundaries 20-Min Target Play
Gentle Hands & Soft Touch
Replacing grabbing, shoving, and aggressive tag with the two-finger butterfly tap and foam buffer tag.
Focus Skill
Light 2-finger shoulder touch only. Zero grabbing clothes, arms, or pushing from behind.
20-Min Pacing
0-4m: Touch pressure demo. 4-16m: Foam Wand Tag. 16-20m: Buddy check.
Equipment
12-inch pool noodle piece (foam wand), chalk circle, peer high-five stamps.
Direct Instruction: "The Two-Finger Butterfly"
Heavy Touch (Rough Play)
Full hands grabbing clothes, tackling, gripping wrists, or running at full speed into someone. Explain: "This hurts friends and makes them want to stop the game."
Butterfly Touch (Safe Play)
Only index and middle finger. Tap softly on peer's upper shoulder like a butterfly landing. Have student practice pressure on facilitator's arm first.
Game: Foam Wand Soft Tag
Tactile Buffer
Setup: 30x30 foot chalk boundary on blacktop. One student holds the 12-inch foam noodle.Rules: Tagger chases peers but can ONLY tag by tapping below the shoulders with the soft foam tip. Zero hands allowed. Once tagged, caller shouts "Gentle tag!" and passes the wand.
Coaching Script: If he reaches with bare hands: "Freeze hands! The wand does the tagging, keep your body bubble back."
In-the-Moment Redirection
"Hands down, deep breath. Show me the butterfly fingers. Let's do 1 soft tap on my hand... perfect! Now back to the game."
Student Safe Hands Check-In Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Butterfly Tap Used
Light touch
Zero Grabbing
Clothes safe
Peer High-Five
Buddy stamp
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 2 Page 1 of 1
Radar Check Lesson Guide Lesson 3 of 10 • Social Signals 20-Min Target Play
Radar Check & Space Signals
Teaching students to observe friends' eyes and posture, and immediately honor the "Space please!" signal.
Core Objective
Notice when a friend steps back or frowns; stop chasing and take two steps back.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: Face cue drill. 5-16m: Traffic Light Express. 16-20m: Debrief & log.
Key Materials
6 colored poly spots (island bases), whistle or bell, face visual cards.
The Friend Radar: Reading Cues
🟢 Green Signal (Keep Playing)
Eyes looking at you, smiling mouth, laughing, running toward you, body relaxed. Action: Keep playing in your bubble!
🔴 Red Signal (Stop & Back Up)
Hands up like a wall, stepped backwards, frowning, turning body away, or says "Space please!" . Action: Freeze and take 2 steps back.
Game: Traffic Light Express & Island Spots
Braking Control
Setup: Spread 6 poly spots across blacktop 8 feet apart.Rules: Caller calls "Green Light" (jog), "Yellow Light" (tiptoe slowly), "Red Light" (freeze onto an island spot). If two students head toward one spot, the child who checks their radar first says: "You take it, I'll find another!" and jogs to an open spot.
Target Prompt: "Check your radar! Is Mia already on that spot? Great braking! Give her a wave and step back."
Prompt Script
"Freeze! Look at Jordan's hands. He has them up. What is his body saying? Yes, he needs space. Let's step back: 1, 2. Give him a thumbs-up!"
Student Radar Scorecard Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Looked at Friends' Eyes
Checked smiles
Listened to "Space Please"
Took 2 steps back
Broke Speed Safely
No bumping
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 3 Page 1 of 1
Voice First Lesson Guide Lesson 4 of 10 • Communication 20-Min Target Play
Words Before Hands
Using explicit verbal phrases to ask to join, request a turn, and call game actions without physical contact.
Core Objective
Stand 3 feet away, make eye contact, and say "Can I play?" before stepping onto the court.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: 3-step entry script. 5-16m: Four Corners Callout. 16-20m: Peer check.
Key Materials
Chalk for 4 corner squares (1, 2, 3, 4), visual phrase strip.
The 3-Step Game Entry Routine
1 Stop at the Line
Stop at the edge of the game boundary (3-4 feet away). Do not run into the middle of the game or touch players.
2 Wave & Ask
Give a gentle wave, look toward the leader, and say clearly: "Hi guys! Can I play the next round?"
3 Wait for the Nod
Listen for "Yes!" or a thumbs-up. Then ask: "Where should I stand?"
Game: Four Corners Callout
Verbal Driven
Setup: Chalk 4 big numbered boxes (1, 2, 3, 4) in a 25x25 ft square.Rules: One caller stands in the center with eyes closed and counts aloud: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, FREEZE!" Players quietly tiptoe into any corner. The caller calls out a number: "Corner 3!" Everyone in that corner yells a fun team cheer together (e.g. "Power Up!" ) and the caller rotates!
Why it works: Fully cooperative and verbal; gives the student a turn being the center caller using their strong verbal voice!
Facilitator Script
"Pause! You have great words in your voice. Before running into Corner 2, what magic words do we say? Exactly: 'Room for one more?' Ask Lucas now!"
Verbal Superpower Tracker Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Asked to Join
"Can I play?"
Waited at Boundary
Didn't barge in
Clear Center Caller
Called corner loud
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 4 Page 1 of 1
Passing Power Lesson Guide Lesson 5 of 10 • Turn Taking 20-Min Target Play
Passing Power & Sharing Play
Replacing ball-snatching and aggressive wrestling with designated passing, callouts, and turn patience.
Core Objective
Keep hands down while waiting for a pass; say the receiver's name before rolling or bouncing.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: Name & pass drill. 5-16m: Circle Bounce Rally. 16-20m: Cool-down log.
Key Materials
1 standard red 8.5" playground bouncy ball, 6 chalk base circles.
The "Name First" Rule for Ball Play
The Ball Trap (Rough Play)
Grabbing the ball right out of a friend's hands, wrestling on the ground, or diving into another player's body. Rule: If 2 hands are on the ball, step back and do Rock-Paper-Scissors!
Name Call & Pass (Safe Play)
Hold the ball with both hands. Look at a peer, shout their name: "Noah, ready?" . Wait for Noah to show two open hands, then bounce smoothly.
Game: Blacktop Circle Bounce Rally
Team Cooperative
Setup: Chalk 6 circles in a large round circle (8 feet between each student).Rules: The team tries to make 20 consecutive passes without the ball rolling away. The passer MUST stay in their circle, make eye contact, call a peer's name, and bounce pass. The catcher must keep both feet on their base circle.
Why it works: The fixed base circles eliminate rushing toward or tackling peers for the ball.
Facilitator Script
"Feet on your circle! Both hands open like a target. Say Noah's name so he knows you are ready for the pass. Fantastic catch!"
Passing Power Scorecard Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Called Friend's Name
Eye contact first
Stayed on Circle Base
No jumping off
Zero Ball Snatching
Waited patiently
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 5 Page 1 of 1
Chill Zone Lesson Guide Lesson 6 of 10 • Self-Regulation 20-Min Target Play
The Chill Zone & Body Resets
Catching the "hyper-drive" excitement before it turns into rough play, grabbing, or pushing.
Core Objective
Notice "fast motor" excitement (Level 3) and take a 10-second wall push or 3 stomps.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: 3 Engine Speeds demo. 5-16m: Engine Gear Relay. 16-20m: Reset log.
Key Materials
Chalk line for "Pit Stop Wall", whistle, Engine Speed visual meter.
The 3 Body Engine Speeds
Gear 1: Low Engine
Tired, moving slow, looking down. Needs a stretch or gentle jog to join friends.
Gear 2: Just Right
Smiling, running with brakes ready, keeping the Body Bubble, listening to rules.
Gear 3: Red Alert
Wild giggling, arms flailing, running without stopping, grabbing shirts. Needs Pit Stop!
Game: The Engine Gear Relay & Pit Stop
Motor Modulation
Setup: Chalk two lines 30 feet apart. One wall marked "Pit Stop".Rules: Facilitator calls gears: "Gear 1 (slow walk)" , "Gear 2 (controlled jog)" , "Gear 3 (sprint into space)" . When facilitator yells "PIT STOP!" , all students run to the wall and do a 10-second wall push (palms flat, pushing firmly) while counting down: "10, 9, 8... 1, reset!"
Why it works: Gives deep proprioceptive input that satisfies sensory seeking and resets motor control.
Facilitator Script
"I see awesome big energy! Your engine is in Gear 3. Let's do a 5-second Pit Stop push on the brick wall to get back to Gear 2... push hard... great reset! Back in the game."
Energy Pit Stop Scorecard Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Knew My Engine Speed
Noticed Gear 3
Did Wall Push Reset
10-sec heavy push
Returned to Gear 2
Gentle & smiling
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 6 Page 1 of 1
Game Switch Lesson Guide Lesson 7 of 10 • Transitions 20-Min Target Play
Switching Games & Ending Play
Letting friends walk away, saying "Good game!", and transitioning to new playground zones without grabbing.
Core Objective
When a peer says "I'm done", keep hands at sides, say "Thanks for playing!", and pick next activity.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: The "Let Them Go" rule. 5-16m: Island Station Hop. 16-20m: Transition log.
Key Materials
3 chalk zone squares: "Tag Zone", "Hopscotch Zone", "Catch Zone".
The "Let Them Go" Script
The Pull Back (Hands-On Mistake)
Grabbing a friend's arm or backpack when they say they want to leave, chasing them down, or standing in front of them to block them. Rule: Bodies are free to move!
The Champion Farewell (Safe Play)
Hands stay in pocket or at sides. Smile, give a wave or high-five, and say: "Good game! Catch you later!" Then check the choice board.
Game: Blacktop Island Station Hop
Transition Drill
Setup: Chalk 3 game stations 15 feet apart: Station A (Shadow Tag), Station B (Circle Roll), Station C (Freeze Pose).Rules: Kids play at a station for 3 minutes. When the facilitator rings the chime: "Switch Stations!" , everyone must stop, give their partner a high five, say "Good game!" , and walk calmly to the next station without touching or pulling peers.
Why it works: Normalizes games ending quickly and trains positive verbal closures.
Facilitator Script
"Hands down, let Ethan walk. Say: 'See you next round!' Fantastic words. Now let's see: would you like to hop to the ball circle or the freeze pose?"
Transition Champion Scorecard Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Said "Good Game"
Friendly closure
Zero Pulling or Blocking
Let friend walk
Moved to Next Game
Calm walk
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 7 Page 1 of 1
Cool Competitor Lesson Guide Lesson 8 of 10 • Sportsmanship 20-Min Target Play
The Cool Competitor
Handling being tagged "out" with safe hands, taking a high-five step back, and becoming a sideline coach.
Core Objective
When tagged or out, say "Nice tag!" with hands down; no arguing, shoving, or throwing gear.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: Sideline roleplay. 5-16m: Underhand Dodge-Roll. 16-20m: Cheer score.
Key Materials
1 soft foam dodgeball, chalk boundary box (20x20 ft), sideline "Cheer Zone".
The 3-Second "I'm Out" Routine
1 Freeze Hands
Keep hands down or tucked in thumbs. Do not push the tagger or yell "No you didn't!"
2 Say "Good Tag!"
Look at the tagger, give a thumbs-up or gentle high five, and say: "You got me! Nice one!"
3 Step to Sideline
Walk into the sideline Cheer Zone. Start clapping for teammates: "Go Leo! Great dodge!"
Game: Underhand Dodge-Roll & Sideline Coach
Low Contact
Setup: Chalk square with 4 players inside, 1 roller on the perimeter line.Rules: Roller must roll the soft ball strictly along the ground (no throwing in the air). If the ball touches a player's shoes, that player shouts "Good roll!" and steps outside to become the new roller! Fast rotations ensure nobody sits out longer than 30 seconds.
Why it works: Being "out" immediately promotes the player to being the active ball-roller!
Facilitator Script
"Hands down, deep breath! The ball tapped your sneaker. Guess what that means? You are the roller now! Step to the line and take your roll!"
Sportsmanship Scorecard Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Accepted Being Out
No pushing/yelling
Said "Good Tag/Roll"
Positive words
Cheered as Coach
Supported team
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 8 Page 1 of 1
Quick Resets Lesson Guide Lesson 9 of 10 • Conflict Resolution 20-Min Target Play
Quick Resets & Problem Solving
Using the 3-second "Rock, Paper, Scissors" rule to instantly settle ties, tags, and turns without arguments or shoves.
Core Objective
When a tie happens, put hands out for Rock-Paper-Scissors; accept the result in 3 seconds.
20-Min Flow
0-5m: RPS modeling drill. 5-16m: RPS Champion Train. 16-20m: Resolution log.
Key Materials
Chalk line path, RPS visual cue cards (Rock, Paper, Scissors).
The "3-Second RPS Rule"
The Escalation Trap
Arguing for 5 minutes over who was tagged, getting louder, stepping inside someone's bubble, or pushing them to take the ball. Result: Game stops for everyone.
The 3-Second Magic Reset
Both players step back into their bubbles. Call out: "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!" One round settles it immediately. Loser says: "Good one!" and play resumes!
Game: Blacktop RPS Champion Train
High Energy
Setup: Kids pair up along a chalk line maintaining arm's length bubbles.Rules: Each pair plays 1 quick RPS round. The person who doesn't win immediately joins behind the winner as their cheering caboose (standing 3 feet back). The trains face each other until 1 giant 6-person cheering line is formed!
Why it works: Turns non-winning outcomes into an instant fun cheering role with zero peer conflict.
Facilitator Script
"Tie alert! Don't debate it, shake it! Step back into bubbles. Show me your hand: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot! Paper covers Rock, Leo takes the ball. High five and let's play!"
Quick Reset Scorecard Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Used RPS for a Tie
No arguing
Accepted the Result
Hands at sides
Cheered on Partner
Train cheer
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 9 Page 1 of 1
Recess Captain Lesson Guide Lesson 10 of 10 • Graduation & Leadership 20-Min Target Play
Recess Captain & Play Celebration
Empowering the student to lead games, demonstrate independent boundary habits, and celebrate social play success.
Captains Mission
Pick a favorite game, use voice to explain 1 rule, invite peers, and keep safe bubble.
20-Min Flow
0-4m: Captain briefing. 4-15m: Student-led tournament. 15-20m: Award ceremony.
Materials Needed
Game choice cards, playground ball, chalk, certificate pens/stickers.
Captain's Leadership Checklist
1 Invite & Choose
Student asks peers: "Today I'm choosing Shadow Tag! Who wants to play?"
2 Remind the Rule
Student states the safety rule: "Remember our Body Bubbles and gentle hands!"
3 Celebrate Team
Give high-fives to every peer at the end: "Awesome game everyone!"
Recess Play Champion Award
This official certificate is proudly awarded to:
For mastering the Body Bubble , using Gentle Hands , reading friends' smiles, and being an awesome, kind, and cooperative friend on the blacktop!
Facilitator / Teacher Signature:
Date Awarded:
⭐ Peer High Five 1 ⭐ Peer High Five 2 ⭐ Peer High Five 3 ⭐ Peer High Five 4 ⭐ Peer High Five 5
Long-Term Maintenance:
Transition this curriculum into daily natural recess by having peer buddies use the phrase "Space please!" and keeping the lanyard visual cards handy for quick staff check-ins.
Recess Play Champions • Lesson 10 Page 1 of 1
