INTL's* Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program is now in its 3rd year of being an explicit part of the curriculum. We have established progressions for all grade levels and continue to refine them as the students gain more skills each year. But it is important to extend the reach of SEL into all areas of school, especially the playground, so students can put it into action.
On the playground in particular this year, we have implemented more structured games during most recess, for students who choose to join. When the fields are open, we take groups to the fields to have adequate space to play soccer or football. We have found that we have a number of upper elementary students who are good soccer players, and get caught up in the heat of the game, which is incompatible with the amount of space we have. Thus, we do have to limit soccer areas and times.
We do have more supervision than in the past, as Maryam is meant to float so that she can help with more conflict resolution. The daycare meet weekly to discuss aspects of SEL, review student needs, and plan activities. We have also rearranged the timetables in all three divisions and kept the MPR for lunch so that no one is eating lunch outside while another division is playing.
In terms of future plans, the biggest one is a playground renovation. This has been in the planning stages for over a year, but we are limited by upcoming construction on the levee by the water district. It looks like we may be able to make some slight adjustments this summer, but the bulk of the work would not be for another year or two beyond that. We will have better defined areas for certain kinds of play, so that a potential soccer game would not happen in and around three structures.
In the meantime, we are looking at how to further structure recess so that there are clearly delineated areas for ball play and more options for structured games that do not involve ball play. Lastly, we are continuing to plan increased training for our recess and extended care staff so that they can continue to refine their responses and guidance on the playground in order to keep it a safe, energetic, and joyful place.
*In 2020, the International School of the Peninsula (ISTP) formally changed its name to Silicon Valley International School (INTL) to better reflect its bilingual programs, location, and international values.