Recess

At Janney we value a child’s time to play and explore their world in a less structured way. Every grade level has two daily recess periods: 1/2 hour during the lunch period and an additional 20 minute period in the morning or afternoon, depending on the grade level. In addition, teachers may decide to take their class outside for instruction or guided activities that enhance their classroom curriculum.

Recess at Janney takes two forms. Responsive recess at lunchtime and free play during the second daily recess, which is focused on free play and exploration of playground equipment.

During responsive recess, students are exposed to different games, activites and imaginative stations where play is often guided by recess leaders – 5th grade students or teachers – who may set the parameters of a game or pose questions or challenges to participants to facilitate play. Responsive recess is designed to help children increase their level of leadership of agreements, activities, reflections, mediations and problem solving. The number of highly physical activities and creative spaces, and the ability of children to freely circulate between stations, keeps this recess period exciting, new, and child centered.

The lunchtime recess schedule is as follows:
pre-k: 12:30-1pm
k , 1, 4, and 5: 12:15-12:45
2 & 3: 12:45-1:15