REMARKABLE: rEcess Curriculum 2022-2023 by 99 Balloons

RECESS 2022-2023

CURRICULUM 1

I praise you because I am remarkably and wonderfully made. PSAL M 139:14

a note from 99 Balloons rEcess Directors, Our theme for the 2022-2023 rEcess year is REMARKABLE! I recently read a translation of Psalm 139:14 which states, “I praise you because I am remarkably and wonderfully made.” I stopped in my tracks as I reread these words because I love the translation claiming how remarkable we, along with our friends experiencing disability, are in the eyes of God. In turn, we praise Him because we know the value, worth, beauty, and importance of building relationships with those with differing abilities. rEcess is an evening where we not only throw a party to celebrate our friends with disability and their siblings, but we also proclaim the truth to our community that each and every one of us is remarkably made by God. It is not lost on me how amazing it is that rEcess gets to happen month after month in churches around the world! After all that we have gone through the past two years, God did not stop using rEcess in remarkable ways to change the story of disability! God is doing remarkable things in and through you. We continue to stand in awe of the life change happening because you consistently invite families experiencing disability into your lives, buildings, and communities. Remarkable things are happening!

rEcess is remarkable because it introduces volunteers to come and experience the beauty that comes when all people are present and included. rEcess is remarkable because our parents trust us which allows them to get a chance to step away and refresh their weary souls. rEcess is remarkable because kids experiencing disability get to come as they are and bask in the fact that they are wanted at rEcess. rEcess is remarkable because siblings get to build community with other siblings as well as have undivided attention from a volunteer who deeply cares about them. rEcess is remarkable because it is a date on the calendar where families can count on help. rEcess is remarkable because you have said YES to building inclusive communities so that each and every family impacted by disability can be ushered into the community of the local church. PRAISE BE TO GOD. Rebecca Wall Programs Director

table of contents Curriculum Contents 5 Planning for rEcess 6 rEcess Birthday 10 September 2022 13 October 2022 21 November 2022 27 December 2022 35 January 2023 43 February 2023 49 March 2023 55 April 2023 63 May 2023 71 Bonus Birthday Month 77 rEcess Top 5 83

Curriculum Contents

Each month contains the following curriculum contents:

Volunteer Huddle

Craft

Helpful strategies and reminders for equipping volunteers

Materials list, instructions, and photos for art activities

Highlight

(For access to craft instructions and additional coloring sheets, please visit Equip)

Disability education and information to further engage and equip your rEcess volunteers

Scripture Read this Scripture over your volunteers, remind them of truth, and pray for the evening ahead

Sensory Activity

Large Group Activity Materials list and instructions for large group games

Movie Suggested theme and age-appropriate movie choices

Materials list and instructions for a sensory experience for children

Planning for Recess

Monthly Activity Ideas Indoor Suggestions:

Outdoor Suggestions:

+ Sensory Bins - Play-Doh - Beads - Sand - Squishy Toys - Marbles + Manicure Station + Face Painting + Building Blocks + Plastic Bowling Set + Hula Hoops + Legos + Parachutes + Popular Board Games - Twister - Sorry - Connect Four - Heads Up - Candyland - Guess Who + Popular Card Games - Uno - Old Maid - Matching Games - War - Slap Jack - Go Fish - Spoons

+ Sidewalk Chalk + Bubbles + Water Table + Sports Balls + Playground

Planning Checklist To Do Send rEcess dates to 99 Balloons Add your rEcess events to Golden Reserve location for monthly rEcess events Refill your rEcess First-aid kit

end a “Save the Date” email or postcard to S families and volunteers with rEcess dates for 2022-2023 ake a plan for feeding your volunteers at M each rEcess event

rint off Medication Consent and Incident P Report forms found on Equip

chedule a photographer to snap quality S pictures of your rEcess this year

ecure a Medical Professional for each S rEcess event

L aminate monthly craft instructions located on Equip

J oin the “99 Balloons rEcess Directors” Facebook group

re you on the Disability Ministry Locator A website? If not, input your church’s information here: http://www.abilityministry.com/disabilityministry-locator/

New Families Make sure new families submit their “Parent Packet” on Golden ake sure the Medical Professional reviews M and approves new “Parent Packets”

New Volunteers T rain new volunteers and leadership team members using videos on Equip Background check new volunteers rder t-shirts for new leadership team O members and volunteers on our website: www.99balloons.org/shop

Suggestions

Notes

Celebrate your rEcess Birthday! Celebrate what God is doing in your city, wear party hats, order party poppers, and sing “Happy Birthday” to rEcess! On the month you started rEcess, don’t use the assigned curriculum. Flip to the back of this book and use the bonus month curriculum which is throwing a birthday party for your rEcess site! For example, 99 Balloons’ very first rEcess was in November of 2007. We will be hosting our birthday party this November!

September 2022

“rEcess is remarkable because rEcess equips us with every tool needed in the curriculum as well as the spiritual support and encouragement to offer needed respite for our parents, a happy and safe rEcess for our children, and growing relationships with our families and our volunteers.” CAROL STOKES, RECESS DIRECTOR Memphis, Tennessee

Volunteer Huddle

September Highlight

Assignments

Parental Engagement

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

At rEcess, we have very little time to connect with parents so please be intentional with the time you have with parents at the beginning and end of the evening. Be sure to greet your buddy’s parent(s) and gather any pertinent information for the evening.

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Tonight's Info Discuss the night’s theme, crafts, schedule, and any specific information that volunteers need to know to help the night run smoothly. Make sure to identify the nurse and toileting person for the evening.

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

We want our rEcess parents to be seen, known, and feel connected to our rEcess volunteers! At drop-off, ask them about their day or find out their plans for the evening. At pick-up, connect with the parents about their evening, tell them about their child’s night, and share crafts and photos with them. Parents will appreciate seeing their child celebrated by you!

Did You Know? 99 Balloons has over 45 rEcess sites in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Churches across the world are gathering tonight to serve families experiencing disability. Thank you for being a part of the 99 Balloons community. You are helping change the story of disability!

Scripture “Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Superheroes CRAFT 1

Superhero Cuffs Materials: + + + +

Toilet paper rolls (2 per child) Duck tape Foam stickers Scissors

Instructions: 1. Place one piece of Duck tape across the toilet paper roll (open end to open end). Leave about a quarter of an inch extra on each end. 2. Continue placing Duck tape around the tube until it is completely covered. Fold any additional pieces of tape into the tube. 3. Cut the tube down the center (open end to open end). 4. Decorate the cuffs with foam stickers.

CRAFT 2

Popsicle Stick Hero

Materials: + + + + + + +

Popsicle sticks Glue Scissors Sharpie Markers Googly eyes Cardstock

Instructions: 1. Pre-cut the capes and rectangle masks from cardstock. 2. The child will color two-thirds of the Popsicle stick. 3. Add an “S” for superheroes and a smiley face with a Sharpie. 4. Glue the mask and cape onto the Popsicle stick. 5. Glue googly eyes on top of the mask.

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SENSORY ACTIVITY

Superhero Search Materials: + Blue and red rice + Superhero figurines Fill a tub with the rice and figurines for the children to play with and manipulate.

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Superhero Parade; Firefighter Visit

Materials: + Superhero masks (Amazon) + Music + Microphone

Superhero Parade 1. Provide your rEcess kids with a superhero mask of their choice. They can wear their superhero cuffs as well. 2. Have an MC who will announce each superhero. The child (or MC) will announce their superhero powers, name, and then do a trick or dance move on stage. 3. Have a superhero dance-off afterward!

Firefighter Visit Invite your local firefighters to come and visit your rEcess. You can deck your rEcess kids out in plastic firefighter hats and celebrate your local heroes. Most firefighters will give a tour of their truck and sometimes even squirt their firehose!

MOVIE

The Incredibles

October 2022

“God has used rEcess in remarkable ways to connect and intertwine stories of people who might not otherwise meet and deepen them into some remarkable friendships.” SARAH COFFEY, RECESS DIRECTOR Bentonville, Arkansas

Volunteer Huddle

October Highlight

Assignments

Stimming

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

Many children with disabilities “stim” which means they repeat physical movements, sounds, or words. This is a natural way for our friends to “self-regulate” or “self-calm.” It helps our friends manage fear, anxiety, anger, excitement, and other strong emotions. Some examples of stimming are rocking, flapping, pacing, or repeating a specific phrase. At rEcess, we do not stop a child from stimming because it is their way of coping with certain situations.

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Did You Know? People with disabilities are the most unchurched population in our world. Many families experience isolation and desire to be known and seen by their community. rEcess brings community and support to families who desperately need it.

Scripture “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am remarkably and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14

A Very Spooky rEcess CRAFT 1

Painted Ghosts Materials: + + + + +

Pom Pom White paint Plastic bowl Construction paper (black and colored) Glue

Instructions: 1. Pre-cut the ghost eyes and mouth from black construction paper. 2. Glue the mouth and eyes onto a piece of construction paper. 3. Dip the pom in white paint and make dots around the page in the shape of a ghost. 4. Let the ghost dry.

CRAFT 2

Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins

Materials: + Orange pipe cleaners (4 per kid/craft) + Green pipe cleaner (1 per kid/craft) + Orange beads

Instructions: 1. Grab four orange pipe cleaners and line them up to twist in the middle a few times. 2. Next, spread out the pipe cleaners so that they are evenly spaced. Your pipe cleaners should be in the shape of a spider or star. 3. Start threading beads down each pipe cleaner until there is room left at the end. 4. Twist all of the pipe cleaners back together at the top and shape it into a pumpkin. 5. Tie the green pipe cleaner at the top as a curly vine for the pumpkin.

SENSORY ACTIVITY

Exploring Pumpkin Guts Materials: + + + +

Ziplock bags Pumpkin Carving materials Clear packing tape

Fill a Ziplock full of the insides of the pumpkin (seeds included). Use tape to seal off the Ziplock bag. The kids will have fun manipulating the pumpkin guts inside of the bag.

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Hula Hoop Spider Web Toss; Glow In The Dark Dance party

Materials: + + + + +

Hula hoop Masking tape Cotton balls Glow sticks Music

Hula Hoop Spider Web Toss 1. Make a spider web out of masking tape using the Hula hoop. 2. Place the sticky side facing the children. 3. The kids will throw cotton balls to try to get them to stick onto the spider web!

Glow In The Dark Dance Party Pass out glow sticks and play party music for a fun freestyle dance party!

MOVIE

Monster’s Inc.; Scooby-Doo

November 2022

“rEcess is remarkable because it facilitates an opportunity to bring together people from various backgrounds with various stories and with differing perspectives. Families and volunteers come together for one night with a common purpose that includes providing and seeking support and a sense of community.” BONNIE LEONARD, RECESS DIRECTOR Fayetteville, Arkansas

Volunteer Huddle

November Highlight

Assignments

Siblings

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

We love having our siblings participate in rEcess! The term “Glass Child’’ is used to describe siblings of children experiencing disability. It refers to the fact that siblings are often “seen through” by their parents, relatives, or neighbors due to the high needs of their siblings experiencing disability. Seek to listen to our sibs, give them the undivided attention they desire, and encourage them to let loose and have fun!

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Did You Know? 99 Balloons has partners in Uganda, Nicaragua, and South Asia. 99 Balloons assists these partners in providing education for children experiencing disability. 9 out of 10 children experiencing disability in a developing country do not attend school. It takes $33 a month to sponsor a child to receive education and therapy services. If you are interested in helping to send a child to school, visit www.99balloons.org.

Scripture “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16

rEcess Goes Camping CRAFT 1

Popsicle Stick S’mores

Materials: + + + + + + +

Popsicle sticks Hot glue gun White, black, and pink craft paint Light and dark brown construction paper Paintbrushes Scissors Paper plate

Instructions: 1. Hot glue the popsicle sticks together to look like a fence. 2. Paint the front of popsicle sticks white. 3. Cut light and dark brown construction paper into rectangles (slightly longer than Popsicle sticks). These are your graham crackers and chocolate! 4. Hot glue the paper onto the top and bottom of popsicle sticks. 5. Add a smiley face with pink and black paint. 6. Let it dry.

CRAFT 2

Glowing Campfire Materials: + + + + + +

Small clear plastic cup Red, orange, and yellow tissue paper LED tea lights Brown construction paper Elmer’s glue Paintbrush

Instructions: 1. Pre-cut tissue paper into small squares. 2. Paint Elmer’s glue onto the sides of the plastic cup. 3. Scrunch up the squares and place them on the plastic cup. 4. Cut the brown construction paper into strips. 5. Place them criss-cross on top of each other and glue them to make the firewood. 6. Place your tea light on top of the firewood and cover it with the upside-down plastic cup. 7. Turn off the lights to see it glow!

SENSORY ACTIVITY

Marshmallow Mania! Materials: + Different sizes and shapes of marshmallows + Container + Sleeping bags The children can cuddle up in a sleeping bag and explore the different textures, sizes, and shapes of marshmallows.

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LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Going on a Bear Hunt!; Capture the Flag

Materials: + + + +

Picture of bears and/or Teddy bears Tape Flashlights 2 bandanas (different colors)

Going on a Bear Hunt! 1. Hide several pictures of bears around your space. 2. You could even hide some teddy bears to mix it up! 3. Give each pair of kids a flashlight and dim the lights. 4. Tell the children how many bears are hidden throughout the space. 5. Give them 10 minutes to go on the hunt and find all of the pictures. To make it silly, you can have them “roar” every time they find a bear!

Capture the Flag

1. Separate the group into two teams. 2. Each team gets to hide a flag (bandana) on opposite sides of the building. 3. Each team will try to find the other team’s flag and bring it back to the large group area.

MOVIE

The Parent Trap; Camp Rock; Scooby-Doo Camp Scare

December 2022

“God has used rEcess in remarkable ways to bring families to our church that had not been to church in years or ever. rEcess also brings awareness to our church about the need to be equipped to welcome families that experience disability.” HOLLY SHULER, RECESS DIRECTOR Bolivar, Missouri

Volunteer Huddle

December Highlight

Assignments

Tone of Voice

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

At rEcess, we want to make sure we are speaking with an appropriate tone of voice. There is no reason to raise your voice or speak slowly when communicating with someone experiencing disability. If you are talking to a teenager, speak to them like you would any other teenager. If you are talking to an adult, speak to them like you would any other adult. Remember, keep your communication style the same and enjoy getting to know our amazing friends.

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Did You Know? People who are visually impaired are just as likely as anyone else to experience vivid dreams while sleeping. Their dreams are dominated by sounds, smells, and tastes.

Scripture “This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you.” John 15:12

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Feliz Navidad CRAFT 1

Christmas Maracas Materials: + + + +

Plastic spoons Plastic eggs Red and green Washi tape Beans or beads

Instructions: 1. Fill plastic eggs with beans or beads. 2. Put two spoons together with the heads of the spoons facing one another and wrap the Washi tape tightly around the handles of the spoons. 3. Alternate wrapping with different Washi tape patterns to make your maraca handles more colorful. 4. Open the top of the spoons slightly and set an egg inside the top of the spoon. 5. Wrap the egg with Washi tape starting by going over the seam of the egg to make it secure. 6. Wrap the head of the maraca with more Washi tape.

CRAFT 2

Fa-la-la-la-llama Christmas Ornaments

Materials: + + + + + + + +

Googly eyes Sequins, stickers, or pom poms Llama template String Craft glue Marker Scissors Construction paper

Instructions: 1. Cut-out the llama from the template. 2. Make a blanket using the construction paper and glue it onto the llama. 3. Glue one eye onto the llama. 4. Glue sequins along the edge of the blankets. 5. Add poms on each of the llama’s feet. 6. Punch a hole on either side of the llama and use the string to make the ornament complete.

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SENSORY ACTIVITY

A Magnetic Christmas Materials: + Magnet Kit + Rice + Precut straws, pipe cleaners, large paper clips (red and green) + Metal cookie cutters or mason jar rings + Jingle bells of varying sizes Fill your container with rice and magnetic materials. Use a magnet wand for the children to explore, sort and play.

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Christmas Piñata; Christmas Carols

Materials: + + + + +

Christmas Piñata (Party City) Broom or plastic bat Christmas bags Toys or treats Guitar or Christmas carol playlist

Christmas Piñata 1. Prefill the piñata with small toys and treats the children can take home. 2. Allow each child to have a turn hitting the piñata until it cracks open. 3. The children will collect their treats to take home in their Christmas bags.

Christmas Carols 1. Have someone available to lead Christmas carols with musical instruments or by playing them from a playlist. Make sure that Feliz Navidad is on this list! 2. The children can use their maracas and other instruments to contribute to the caroling. 3. Have fun singing and dancing to celebrate the Christmas season!

MOVIE

The Grinch; The Star; Charlie Brown Christmas

January 2023

“rEcess is remarkable because it breaks down so many walls and barriers the “abled” world puts up. rEcess puts faces to unknown diagnoses and makes it less scary or unknown. It allows you to see and celebrate each child as the wonderfully beautiful child that God has created them to be.” CHERYL CORLE, RECESS DIRECTOR Brentwood, Tennessee

Volunteer Huddle

January Highlight

Assignments

Vulnerability

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

Top 5

Our friends with disability are vulnerable to sexual assault. One in four people who report sexual assault are people living with a disability. People with intellectual disabilities are seven times more likely to experience sexual assault than those without disabilities. It is so important to maintain safe and appropriate boundaries when you interact with our friends with disabilities. At rEcess, our “Never Alone” policy helps to prevent any possible danger for our friends.

Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Did You Know?

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture. Cerebral palsy’s effect on an individual varies greatly ranging from intellectual disabilities, one’s ability to move, and difficulty swallowing, seeing, or hearing. Worldwide, a baby is born with cerebral palsy every hour.

Scripture “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

The rEcess Snow “Ball” CRAFT 1

Snowball Painting Materials: + + + + +

Glitter pom pom balls Clothespins Colored paper Hot glue gun Blue and white paint

Instructions: 1. Pre-attach a pom to the side of the clothespin that clamps down using the hot glue gun. 2. Dip the pom into the paint and create your own art.

3. 4. 5. CRAFT 2

Magic Wand

Materials: + + + + + + +

Colored craft paper Craft sticks Sequins Ribbon Scissors Craft glue Pre-made snowflake cutouts (Amazon)

Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Pre-cut colored stars. Glue a star onto the craft stick. Glue the snowflake cutout onto the star. Add decorations to make the child’s wand special!

SENSORY ACTIVITY

Snow Fun! Materials: + + + + +

Instant snow Pinecones Winter animal figurines Scoops Sticks

Fill your sensory box with the winter materials and allow children to explore the different textures.

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Snowball Fight; The Snow Ball

Materials: + Snowballs (Amazon) + Glow sticks + White and blue feather boas

Snowball Fight 1. Set out assorted-sized large cardboard boxes/ chairs for places to hide behind. 2. Divide the groups into teams. 3. Set a timer for each round. 4. Place the snowballs in a pile in the center of the room at the beginning of each round. 5. Have fun!

The Snow Ball 1. Pass out glow sticks and boas to each child. The children can bring the wands they created earlier in the evening. 2. Have the kids enter one at a time by announcing their names and making them feel special. 3. Project “Just Dance” videos found on youtube.com for everyone to imitate during the party or play dance music for the “ball.”

MOVIE

Beauty and the Beast; Frozen

February 2023

“God has used rEcess in remarkable ways to get to know and care for families with kids with special needs and connect them to the local church!” HAILEY COLEMAN, RECESS DIRECTOR Lubbock, Texas

Volunteer Huddle

February Highlight

Assignments

Language

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

The landscape of language is always changing. A good starting point is people-first language. This way we identity our friends as a human being first, and if necessary, we mention their different abilities. For example, instead of “down syndrome girl” say “girl with down syndrome.” However, many in the autistic community prefer to be identified as autistic first.

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

A good rule of thumb is to ask what your friend prefers or model the language used by their parents.

Did You Know? In honor of President’s Day this month, let’s celebrate some of our past presidents that experienced some form of disability. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used a wheelchair due to his Polio diagnosis. Additionally, his greatgranddaughter is a rEcess participant in Texas! Both President Clinton and Reagan wore hearing aids due to hearing loss, and President Madison was thought to have had a form of epilepsy. May we continue to encourage our friends at rEcess in their unique giftings and celebrate all that they bring to our world!

Scripture “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

rEcess Loves Bingo! CRAFT 1

Valentine Love Bug Materials: + Craft foam hearts (one large and two small per child) + Pipe cleaners + Stapler + Sharpie + Extra-large Googly eyes + Glue

Instructions: 1. Staple the two smaller foam hearts to the bigger heart to create wings. 2. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and staple it to create antennas. 3. Use the sharpie to draw lines or anything on the Love Bug. 4. Glue the Googly eyes.

CRAFT 2

Friendship Necklace

Materials: + + + + +

Foam hearts Yarn Scissors Hole Punch Beads

Instructions: 1. Punch one or two holes into the top center of the heart. 2. Thread the yarn for the necklace through the heart. 3. Add beads to the yarn to create a fun design. 4. Tie the yarn around the child’s neck. 52

SENSORY ACTIVITY

rEcess LOVES Slime Materials: + + + +

Ziploc sandwich bags Clear packing tape Slime Assortment of heart shapes (beads, jewels, styrofoam)

Prefill Ziploc bags with slime and allow the children to add hearts to their bag. Secure with clear packing tape so the children can play with their slime bag.

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Bingo Party!

Materials: + Bingo set or printed Bingo cards (myfreebingocards.com) + Candy hearts or beans

Instructions: 1. Play several rounds of Bingo. You may need to find a way to display which Bingo card was called. 2. The kids can use candy hearts or beans as placeholders.

MOVIE

Enchanted; Princess and the Frog

March 2023

“rEcess is remarkable because it brings the community together by helping create friendships for all age groups.” LAURA LEE CALCE, RECESS DIRECTOR Dallas, Texas

Volunteer Huddle

March Highlight

Assignments

Elopement

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

Some of our children who attend rEcess are prone to run away, try to get outside, or escape from their current situation. If a child decides to sprint away from you, try to step in front of them in order to redirect their path. Even if they are not your buddy for the evening, always help redirect the child. Do everything in your power not to touch, grab, or pull the child that is running away from you.

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Use this time to remind volunteers about exits and the emergency plan in place if a child does elope.

Tonight's Info

Did you Know?

Discuss the night’s theme, crafts, schedule, and any specific information that volunteers need to know to help the night run smoothly. Make sure to identify the nurse and toileting person for the evening.

Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the US. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. March 21st (3-21) is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. We celebrate our friends who have a third copy of their 21st chromosome by wearing crazy socks!

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Scripture “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.” Philippians 2:4

Zootopia CRAFT 1

Paper Plate Elephants Materials: + + + + + + +

Paper plates White paper Scissors Glue Markers Paint Sponge

Instructions: 1. Paint the paper plate with a sponge and let it dry. 2. Cut out two sections of the edge of the paper plate to make the ears. 3. Glue a leftover cut-out piece to make the trunk. 4. Add eyes and accessories with a marker.

CRAFT 2

Peacock Plate

Materials: + + + + + + + + +

Paper plates Orange, blue, green construction paper Glue Feathers Sequins Blue paint Paintbrush Stapler Googly eyes

Instructions: 1. Paint the paper plate with blue paint. 2. Cut the peacock’s head out of a second paper plate and paint it blue. 3. Glue the head to the body of the peacock. 4. Cut strips of construction paper and fold them over the plate to make the feathers. Staple or glue the feathers to the paper plate. 5. Cut the beak out of orange construction paper. 6. Glue the beak and eyes onto the peacock. 7. Decorate with feathers and sequins.

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SENSORY ACTIVITY

Parachute Fun Materials: + Parachute + Foam balls

Play various parachute games with the children!

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Zoo Animal Puzzle Piece Matching Game; Zoo Animal Charades

(Printables available on Equip)

Animal Matching Game 1. Pre-cut each animal card in half. Laminate if you want to make sure the cards are sturdy. 2. Pass out the halves to each participant and ask everyone to spread out. 3. When you say “go,” each participant will have to search for their other half. You can have them do this in silence or you could have them make that animal’s sound as they search. 4. Repeat with different puzzle pieces as many times as desired!

Zoo Animal Charades 1. Print game cards and put them in a bowl or bag. 2. Have the first person draw a card and act out the zoo animal on the card without speaking or pointing. 3. The person who correctly guesses the animal will draw the next charade card. 4. Continue until you run out of cards.

MOVIE

Zootopia; Madagascar

April 2023

“rEcess is remarkable because it lets kids connect with others while giving the parents a moment just to breathe.” CHRISTINE READ, RECESS DIRECTOR Denver, Colorado

Volunteer Huddle

April Highlight

Assignments

Non-Verbal Communication

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

While spending time with our friends who are non-verbal, it is important to still converse and interact with them. Just because an individual may be non-verbal, he or she is still able to hear and understand what is being said to and around them. If the individual uses a device or signs, start with easy to answer questions to help you understand their form of communication. Tell your friend about your day or share a personal story. Keep conversations positive and inclusive!

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Did You Know? April is the National Autism Awareness month. Children with autism are twice as likely to never enter a church compared to a typical child. Celebrate the fact that children with autism are welcomed into your church tonight!

Scripture “Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

Science Fair CRAFT 1

Butterfly Materials: + + + + + + +

Markers White coffee filters Pencil Cups of water Black pipe cleaners String Scissors

Instructions: 1. Use a marker to draw a thick circle around the center of the coffee filter where the rigid part meets the flat center. 2. Fold the coffee filter in half and then in half again which will result in a cone shape. 3. Get a short glass of water. Pull apart the coneshaped coffee filter so it balances right on the glass with the tip of the cone just touching the water. **Be sure NOT to let the marker circle go in the water, just the uncolored tip of the coffee filter cone. 4. After the water has reached the outer edge of the coffee filter, place it on a newspaper to dry. 5. Cut your black pipe cleaners in half. 6. Take one coffee filter and scrunch it up in the middle. 7. Wrap a black pipe cleaner around the center. 8. Shape the ends to form antennae.

CRAFT 2

Salt Painting

Materials: + + + + + + +

Cardstock Pencil Glue bottle Table salt Food coloring Droppers Small plastic cups

Instructions: 1. Mix water and food coloring in cups. 2. Draw a letter, your name, shapes, etc, anything you want on a piece of cardstock paper. Then, trace over your writing with glue. 3. Put paper in a tray and sprinkle salt on the glue until it is well coated. Shake off the excess salt. 4. After the glue dries, fill the dropper with the preferred color and drop the colored water onto your drawing.

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SENSORY ACTIVITY

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Materials:

Invite a local science teacher or enthusiast to perform several science experiments for your rEcess kids! All website links and step-by-step instructions for the science experiments can be found on Equip.

Playdough Party! + Playdough + Playdough tools Allow children to use different tools to play with the Playdough.

Science Experiments

Elephant Toothpaste Materials: + Dry active yeast + Warm water + 6% Hydrogen peroxide + Dawn dish soap + Funnel + Narrow neck bottle (15 ounces) + Food coloring

Mad Scientist Potion Materials: + Large glass jars + Brightly colored drink + Dry ice (1 pound per gallon of potion) + Heavy-duty gloves or oven mitt and tongs

Inflate the Balloon Materials: + Narrow neck bottle + Dry Ice + Balloon + Warm water + Food coloring

MOVIE

Big Hero 6; Magic School Bus

May 2023

“Our rEcess kids are remarkable because they enter into relationships and community with joy, leaving all who meet them impacted for the better.” KATE CULLY, RECESS DIRECTOR Fayetteville, Arkansas

Volunteer Huddle

May Highlight

Assignments

Age-Appropriate Interaction

Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

Our friends experiencing disability want to be treated appropriately for their biological age. Regardless of a child’s mental age or physical ability, we always interact with our friends in an age-appropriate way. If you are paired with a teenager, plan activities or have conversations that you would typically have with a teenager. Remember, we always want to make sure our physical interactions are above reproach and appropriate for the individual’s age. Keep physical touch to a minimum and model appropriate physical touch between friends. High fives, side hugs, secret handshakes, and fist bumps are encouraged!

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Top 5 Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

Did You Know? At 99 Balloons, our heart is for people with and without disabilities to engage in meaningful relationships and build an authentic community. People with disabilities are all too familiar with those who show up for a limited time, interact with them at their convenience or for a volunteer opportunity, and then never see them again. Our hope is that rEcess is an environment where our families affected by disability see the same faces month after month, build relationships with the volunteers, and feel a part of something that will last longer than one rEcess event.

Scripture “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:14

Talent Show CRAFT 1

Spring Flower Materials: + + + + +

Cardstock (white and colored) Paper cutter Scissors Pencil Glue

Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Pre-cut colored cardstock into ½ inch pieces. Pre-cut green cardstock into ½ inch pieces. Cut small leaves out of the green cardstock. Glue the stems and leaves onto the white cardstock. 5. Wrap a strip of colored cardstock around the pencil to create the curls. 6. Place a large glob of glue where the child wants to place each curl. 7. Repeat to make a full flower.

CRAFT 2

Cupcake Liner Pom Flowers

Materials: + + + + +

Cardstock Mini cupcake liners Glue Pom poms Green marker

Instructions: 1. Glue cupcake liners onto the cardstock in the desired pattern. 2. Glue a pom in the center of the cupcake liner. 3. Draw the stem and leaves beneath each flower. 74

SENSORY ACTIVITY

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Materials:

+ + + + + + + +

+ Microphone + Props or costumes brought by the children

Movie-star Microphones Empty water bottles Glitter Water Marbles Buttons Gems Sand Rice

Fill the water bottles with water and allow the kids to make their own sensory bottles by adding various materials.

Talent Show

Instructions: 1. As kids come into rEcess, ask whether or not they would like to participate in the talent show. Make sure to put their props or costumes somewhere safe. 2. Make a list of individuals and their talents. 3. If needed, prepare any music. 4. The MC (Large group leader) will announce the different acts as they come out on stage. 5. Have fun and take pictures.

MOVIE

Sing 2; The Greatest Showman

Bonus Birthday Month

“God has used rEcess in remarkable ways to connect us to people in our community.” AMANDA POLLMANN, RECESS DIRECTOR Springfield, Missouri

Volunteer Huddle Assignments Make volunteers aware of their role for the night. If they are placed with a 1-to-1 child or a sibling, have them read over the corresponding parent packet.

Bonus Month Highlight Sensory Needs

Top 5

Some of our rEcess friends may struggle with some of our high-sensory activities. If a child is experiencing sensory overload, do your best to guide them away from the situation. Typically, it will help soothe a child if you dim the lights, move to a quiet space, or provide noisecanceling headphones. Do not get frustrated. All behavior is considered a form of communication so do your best to understand the child’s unique needs.

Recap the Top 5 with all existing volunteers. (See inside back cover for a Top 5 recap sheet.)

Did You Know?

New Volunteers Celebrate and welcome all new volunteers. Make sure they know the layout of your space (including restrooms).

Equipping Equip your volunteers by continuing to sharpen their awareness and skills in working with children with differing abilities.

To gain the attention of someone who is hearing impaired, tap the individual’s arm or flicker the lights. Both of these actions are universal signs in the deaf community.

Scripture “In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way, we remember the Lord Jesus’ words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Birthday Party CRAFT 1

rEcess Handprint Banner Materials: + + + + +

Large piece of butcher paper Markers Washable paint Paintbrush Hand wipes

Instructions: 1. Make a large “Happy Birthday rEcess!” banner. 2. Allow each participant (child and volunteer) to use a paintbrush to cover their hand in washable paint. 3. Allow each participant to make a handprint on the banner and sign their name.

CRAFT 2

rEcess Balloons

Materials: + + + + +

Construction paper or cardstock Scissors Glue Markers Decorative materials (sequins, pom poms, glitter)

Instructions: 1. Precut large circles from construction paper and cardstock. 2. The child will decorate their balloon however they desire. 3. Glue the balloon onto the rEcess banner and draw a string with a marker. 4. The child can sign their name next to their balloon on the banner.

SENSORY ACTIVITY

What’s in the Balloon? Materials: + Balloons + Variety of materials (sand, beads, rice, water, shaving cream, marbles) Pre-fill the balloons with different materials and have the children feel them and guess the material that is in each balloon.

Instructions: 1. Set out laminated numbered spaces in a circle. 2. Have a bowl full of the numbers to draw a winner for each round. 3. Each child will start on a number. 4. Start the music and have the children walk or dance around the circle until the music stops. 5. When the music stops, draw a number to choose the winner. 6. The winner gets to choose a piece of candy to take home. 7. Play again!

Birthday Party Materials: + + + + +

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY

Candy Walk!; Birthday Party

Candy Walk Materials: + + + + +

Laminated numbered cards Candy prizes Bowl Slips of paper Music

Birthday party hats Kazoos Streamers Balloons Party favor bags and goodies

Instructions: 1. Make sure everyone has their birthday party supplies. 2. Sing “Happy Birthday To rEcess!” Celebrate however many years your site has been operating. 3. Send kids home with a party favor bag. Example: Candy, Stickers, Bubbles, Tattoos

MOVIE

Encanto; Mary Poppins

rEcess Top 5 1

Food All children—both sibling track and 1-to-1 track—are only allowed to eat food they have brought with them.

Medical Needs All medicines are only to be administered by the Onsite Medical Professional. In the case of a medical emergency, please notify the Onsite Medical Professional immediately. Tonight’s Onsite Medical Professional is

Parent Packet All volunteers must look over the Parent Packet for the child they are paired with before families arrive. Volunteers can ask the Onsite Medical Professional any questions regarding their child.

Never Alone Volunteers are never to be alone with any child, at any time, in any room. Be sure to grab a roamer if you need someone to join you and your child in a room.

Toileting Any necessary diaper changes and toileting assistance must go through the designated Toileting Person for the night. Tonight’s Onsite Toileting Person is

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