From Paper Planes to Paint Projects: Trimester 3 Recess Electives in Action

During Trimester 3, students across grade levels continued to experience meaningful learning beyond the classroom through engaging Recess Electives designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and curiosity.

3rd and 4th Graders participated in the Papernaut Club with Mrs. Arildson and Ms. Cordova, where they explored the many possibilities of paper through hands-on STEM challenges and creative design. Students experimented with folding, building, and engineering structures while learning about concepts like strength, balance, and problem-solving. “From airplanes to origami and beyond, each session encouraged curiosity, creativity, and collaboration,” Mrs. Arildson shared. The club showed students how something as simple as paper could become something extraordinary through imagination and persistence.

Pre-K and Kindergarten students joined Game Zone, where they explored teamwork, cooperation, and friendly competition through a variety of engaging games. Each week, students practiced turn-taking, listening, problem-solving, and positive social interaction in both small groups and whole-class activities. Mrs. Balinbin and Ms. Nelson shared that students enjoyed having choices in the games they played and took pride in helping set up materials and activities. “This elective encouraged active participation, independence, confidence, and joyful learning through play,” they explained. Along the way, students built friendships while practicing patience, communication, and sportsmanship.

Students in Grades 1–2 took part in Arts & Crafts Club, where creativity and self-expression were at the center of each activity. Through hands-on projects, students explored a variety of art materials and techniques while developing fine motor skills and confidence in their artistic abilities. The club with Mrs. Monks and Mrs. Wolgamott also encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and positive social interaction in a relaxed and supportive environment. Most importantly, students had the opportunity to enjoy creating, experimenting, and sharing their unique ideas with others.

Together, Trimester 3 electives continued to reflect our school’s commitment to whole-child learning. Through creativity, collaboration, and play, students strengthened important social and problem-solving skills while discovering new interests and talents outside the classroom.