Recess Equipment for Maxine Johnson Elementary in Parma

Ask any young student and they will often say the most important part of any school day is recess - the time to get outside, run, and play.

Maxine Johnson Elementary in Parma is a K-4^th grade school, sharing their playground with 5^th and 6^th graders. But what works for the older students may not necessarily work for the kindergartners. Some of the equipment designed for the older students cannot be used by the youngest students; often leaving them out of play opportunities.

"We noticed an increase in students starting Kindergarten with diverse levels of skill and social needs," explained Becky Fogg, one of the school's kindergarten teachers. "This year we had two boys who were autistic and non-verbal. These boys struggled to make friends since they couldn't communicate like the other kids. They had sensory issues as well and often wouldn't even come to recess if there was a little bit of wind or if the grass was wet. As we started to introduce more interactive toys and activities on the playgrounds, these boys really started to come out of their shell. Watching them play in the sand and chase bubbles with the other kids was truly amazing."

Playtime led to better classroom behavior and more academic success in the classroom.

This fall, the school has four new students with similar needs.

"With these special needs students, we would love to get an early start on bridging that gap not only in the classroom but on the playground as well," added Ms. Fogg.

All the playground and play materials in their wish list include items that can be utilized individually as well as in a group setting. These tools will impact the entire kindergarten class which has between 75 to 90 students per year.

"This will give each child, regardless of their social level or physical/sensory needs, an opportunity to play. It is our goal as teachers to build strong personal connections with these kids, and these toys/tools will allow us more opportunities to do so."

Congratulations to Maxine Johnson Elementary. Classroom Wish List for $1,904 worth of new playground equipment and storage granted!