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Playground Activity Leaders in Schools

Playground Activity Leaders (PALS) is a student-led recess program for elementary schools. Older students are trained to organize and lead activities at recess, creating a more inclusive and active playground for everyone.

Program motto: There is always room for one more.

Benefits

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More opportunity for physical activity and improved physical literacy for all students

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Stronger sense of belonging and inclusion among students

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Leadership opportunities that empower students to become active role models

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Less bullying and conflict through a positive, safe playground environment

Running PALS in your school

The PALS program follows a train-the-trainer model. Three roles are needed to get started.

Identify one or more adult facilitators, such as school administrators, teachers or other educational staff. Public Health staff will train them to start the program and support student leader training.

Having more than one facilitator is recommended to share the workload. Parent volunteers or secondary, college or university students can also be trained to support the program.

Student leaders are typically in Grades 4 to 6. Students in Grades 7 and 8 may also be considered as mentors for new leaders.

Student leaders are trained to plan and run safe, fun playground activities for younger students. Leaders are encouraged to run activities twice a week using existing school equipment.

Our School Health team can provide ongoing support and ideas throughout the year, work with child and youth workers to train staff and student leaders, and connect your school to other schools who are using the PALS program.

Program resources

Download the Facilitator Handbook and Student Leader Training Guide to get started.

To receive the full set of PALS program materials, contact Healthy Schools.

PALS program resources were created and approved for use within Ontario only.

Have a question?

Contact School Health