Recess Centers, a Winner, and Tax Sale!

I know with the weather getting warmer everyone is having outside recess more often, but I wanted to share an idea that I've been using the last couple of years.  I'm a pretty organized person, at home and at school, so I couldn't stand the craziness of inside recess.  


My kiddos would come back to my room so loud and running around trying to find someone to play with and a game/activity to play.  So, since I was already doing centers for reading (this was before the awesomeness of Daily 5) I decided to create Recess Centers!  And, let me tell you....I think this might have been one of my best ideas ever!  :)  


I used a smaller pocket chart and printed all of my kiddos' names on labels so that I could easily move them around.  Then, I created 6 centers or activities they were allowed to play during inside recess and posted them at the front of each row on the chart.  Here is a picture of my Recess Center Chart:

The six recess centers I had this year were Lincoln Logs, Coloring, Games, Puzzles, Legos, and Computers.  Depending on how many kiddos I have, I put 3-4 kiddos in a group.  I try to change the groups around every nine weeks so that they have time to play with other friends.  


One more great thing I started this year is only the first person is allowed to get the game/activity.  I have a specific place in the room where each center can happen.  The other kiddos go straight to that spot.  The first name is the one allowed to get the game out of the Recess Center cabinet.  This keeps everyone from pushing and shoving to get into the cabinet.  I change this responsibility too throughout the year.  Here is a picture of my labeled Recess Center cabinet:

I put labels where each center should go so they can easily find what they are looking for and so they keep my centers organized....my favorite word!  :)


This has worked extremely well for me.  My kiddos love it and are much more calm and responsible with my recess things.    


Now....for the winners of my What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up Pack!!  


The winners are....

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:23Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Mrs. Richling 

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:35Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Sandra at Sweet Times in First

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:12Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Kelly B at Busy in Kindergarten


Congrats, ladies!  I'll be emailing those out to your shortly.  Hope your kiddos enjoy!  


This pack is also available on my TpT store so make sure and check it out!  :)


I've also jumped on the bandwagon....I'm having a sale today and tomorrow!  Click on the picture to visit my store: