Two weeks ago, several fifth grade students expressed an interest in expanding the playground area behind Jefferson Elementary School, to include a small section of woods suitable for building forts and creating a community of the forest.
As principal Eric Becker explains, after consulting with playground supervisors and classroom teachers Karen Buntrock and Mary Cohrs, the students worked on establishing boundaries, behavior expectations, and fort “etiquette.”
Development continues on the fortresses during every recess thanks to the diligent young workers.
The area is open to all fifth grade students during the lunch recess, grade level recess, and for various classroom activities.
“Free outdoor play promotes social interaction, problem solving, creative thinking, community building, and active exploring,” Becker adds.