La Récré Tranquille

Space + Quiet + Connection = The Quiet Peaceful Recess/La récréation tranquille

 What would happen if a group of heart-centred teachers and principal made a commitment to create peaceful spaces for children at recess? You come up with “La récré tranquille”!

The rationale:

Many students need to run and get fresh air at recess time to regulate their bodies, connect with friends, and reset for more learning. However, after observations outdoors, we noticed that some of our students just needed quiet time, often taking a book outside and finding a quiet space. Conversations were had in classrooms led by the IERT and principal, about recess. One of the questions was, “Why do we have recess?” While many students identified the common reasons: get fresh air, play with friends, get wiggles out, and have fun. Some other students identified recess as a time to reset, take a break, and absorb what they have learned.

The vision:

The vision behind La récré tranquille is simple: Many children (and adults) need moments of restoration in their day to reset their nervous systems, to connect back with themselves, and to have a break from stimulation. Classrooms are busy and full of good learning! If children receive this opportunity to “reset,” they are able to make better decisions, to focus, and to access their creativity. There are 3 simple components to this vision.

• SPACE

La récré tranquille space is consciously created to foster relaxation and a sense of belonging. Supervisors in the library understand that calm is contagious and that a sense of belonging can be felt even without spoken words. Everyone has chosen to be there and they act in a respectful, caring way towards themselves and the people that are sharing the space.

• QUIET

The children and adults settle into the space without speaking and choose a quiet activity that is relaxing to them (e.g. colouring, reading, meditating, writing). The lights are low, the music is soft, and there is as little stimulation as possible.

• CONNECTION

Children are welcomed by a calm adult with a smile and eye contact so that they feel seen. This is critical. Some children go through the whole day without being really seen. The supervisors hold in their heart that gentle, consistent moments of connection are a simple balm for anxiety and feelings of isolation.

La récré tranquille takes place during the morning recess on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students have full choice on whether or not they want to participate. They can come once and not return for a long time or attend each time it is offered. We are working hard with students so that they learn to recognize what their own body is feeling and needing. From Polar Bear Club for those students who want and enjoy getting outside to La récré tranquille for those who need a quiet space to reset, we support all our students.