John—

If you work with elementary school-aged students, you know this to be true: the difference just one year can make is huge when it comes to motor skills and energy levels.

Big kids only want to do big kid stuff, but younger kids want to play those games too, whether they're ready or not.

As teachers and principals, it's on us to make sure everyone has something safe and fun to do. If you've gotten one too many indignant "Ugh! That game is for babies!" when suggesting a game during recess, take a look at your rotation and make sure you've got activities for every age—or modify games and expectations based on age-level and skills.

For example, for your lower grades (K–2):

• Keep instructions and rules short and simple
• Minimize use of spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination
• Modify movements—skip rather than run

For upper grades (3–5):

• More complex rules and heightened levels of competition are okay
• Kids can practice deeper use of spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination

Taking four square as an example—here's what different ages should be able to grasp:

Setting up age-appropriate games at every recess mitigates negative reactions from older kids and helps younger kids feel comfortable jumping into a game.

Check out some age-appropriate games we love, like Sharks and Minnows, Mannequin Tag, and Hula-Tag.

Good luck and have fun,

Your Recess Lab Team