--- title: "Break Out of Your Rut: Fun Ideas for Exciting Experiences" description: ISB's new Dragons Alternative Recess supports social-emotional learning by giving students a variety of ways to enjoy time between classes. image: https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images%202021%20-%202022/20220217%20DAR%20collage%201%2c200.jpeg --- MENU [![isb-logo-new-1](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/Imported%20images/isb-logo-new-1.png)](https://www.isb.cn/) - [Quicklinks](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/quicklinks) - [Calendar](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/news-medianews/calendar) - [Dragons' Gate](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/dg) - [Dragons' Exchange](https://dx.isb.bj.edu.cn/) - [PowerSchool](https://sis.isb.bj.edu.cn/public/home.html) - [Vidigami](https://www.vidigami.com/) - [Login Troubleshooting](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/quicklinks/login-troubleshooting) - [ASA Registration (SchoolsBuddy)](https://isbdragons.schoolsbuddy.net/) - Search [![International School of Beijing](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/logo-small.svg)](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/) - [about](https://www.isb.cn/about/about-isb) - [About ISB](https://www.isb.cn/about/about-isb) - [ISB Strategic Focus Areas](https://www.isb.cn/about/strategic-plan) - [Leadership and Governance](https://www.isb.cn/about/leadership) - [Safeguarding](https://www.isb.cn/about/safeguarding) - [People Planet Purpose](https://www.isb.cn/about/peopleplanetpurpose) - [Campus Map](https://www.isb.cn/about/campus-map) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Admissions](https://www.isb.cn/admissions) - [Admissions](https://www.isb.cn/admissions) - [Application Process](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/admissions-criteria-policies) - [Admissions Criteria & Policies](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/admissions-criteria-policies) - [How to apply](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/how-to-apply) - [FAQs](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/faqs) - [Tuition & Fees](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/tuition-fees) - [New Family Resources](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/new-family-resources) - [Life in Beijing](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/new-family-resources/life-in-beijing) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn) - [Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn) - [Our Curriculum](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum) - [Chinese](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/chinese) - [Counseling](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/counseling) - [Dual Language](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/dual-language) - [Early Years](https://www.isb.cn/learn/eylc) - [EdTech & Design](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/edtech-design) - [English Language Arts](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/english) - [Health & Physical Education](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/health-pe) - [Math](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/math) - [Music](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/music) - [Science](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/science) - [EY-12 Experiential Service Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/ey-12-service-learning) - [Social & Emotional Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/sel-philosophy-statement) - [Social Studies](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/social-studies) - [Theater](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/theater) - [Visual Arts & Media](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/va) - [World Languages](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/world-languages) - [Early Years Learning Community](https://www.isb.cn/learn/eylc) - [Elementary School](https://www.isb.cn/learn/elementaryschool) - [Middle School](https://www.isb.cn/learn/middleschool) - [High School](https://www.isb.cn/learn/highschool) - [ISB Learns - Parent Education](https://www.isb.cn/learn/isb-learns-parent-education-series) - [Student Support Services](https://www.isb.cn/learn/student-support-services) - [Library](https://www.isb.cn/learn/library) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Co-curricular](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular) - [Co-Curricular](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular) - [Athletics](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/athletics) - [Performing Arts](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/performing-arts) - [Activities](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/activities) - [Aquatics](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/aquatics) - [Clubs and Service Groups](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/clubs-service-groups) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Community](https://www.isb.cn/community) - [Community](https://www.isb.cn/community) - [Advancement and Alumni](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni) - [Alumni Achievement Awards](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni/alumni-achievement-awards) - [Student Empowerment Fund](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni/student-empowerment-fund) - [ISB Leadership Talk Series](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni/isb-leadership-talk-series) - [ISB Giving](https://www.isb.cn/community/isb-giving) - [PTA & Booster Club](https://www.isb.cn/community/pta-booster) - [Spring Fair](https://www.isb.cn/community/pta-booster/spring-fair) - [International Day](https://www.isb.cn/community/pta-booster/international-day) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [News & Media](https://blog.isb.cn) - [News and Media](https://blog.isb.cn/) - [ISB Social Media](https://www.isb.cn/news-medianews/media) - [Publications](https://www.isb.cn/news-medianews/publications-archive) - [Calendar](https://www.isb.cn/news-medianews/calendar) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Employment](https://www.isb.cn/employment) - - [Calendar](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/news-medianews/calendar) - [Dragons' Gate](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/dg) - [Dragons' Exchange](https://dx.isb.bj.edu.cn/) - [PowerSchool](https://sis.isb.bj.edu.cn/public/home.html) - [Vidigami](https://www.vidigami.com/) - [Login Troubleshooting](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/quicklinks/login-troubleshooting) - [ASA Registration (SchoolsBuddy)](https://isbdragons.schoolsbuddy.net/) - [about](https://www.isb.cn/about/about-isb) - [About ISB](https://www.isb.cn/about/about-isb) - [ISB Strategic Focus Areas](https://www.isb.cn/about/strategic-plan) - [Leadership and Governance](https://www.isb.cn/about/leadership) - [Safeguarding](https://www.isb.cn/about/safeguarding) - [People Planet Purpose](https://www.isb.cn/about/peopleplanetpurpose) - [Campus Map](https://www.isb.cn/about/campus-map) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Admissions](https://www.isb.cn/admissions) - [Admissions](https://www.isb.cn/admissions) - [Application Process](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/admissions-criteria-policies) - [Admissions Criteria & Policies](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/admissions-criteria-policies) - [How to apply](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/how-to-apply) - [FAQs](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/application-process/faqs) - [Tuition & Fees](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/tuition-fees) - [New Family Resources](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/new-family-resources) - [Life in Beijing](https://www.isb.cn/admissions/new-family-resources/life-in-beijing) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn) - [Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn) - [Our Curriculum](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum) - [Chinese](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/chinese) - [Counseling](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/counseling) - [Dual Language](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/dual-language) - [Early Years](https://www.isb.cn/learn/eylc) - [EdTech & Design](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/edtech-design) - [English Language Arts](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/english) - [Health & Physical Education](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/health-pe) - [Math](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/math) - [Music](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/music) - [Science](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/science) - [EY-12 Experiential Service Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/ey-12-service-learning) - [Social & Emotional Learning](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/sel-philosophy-statement) - [Social Studies](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/social-studies) - [Theater](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/theater) - [Visual Arts & Media](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/va) - [World Languages](https://www.isb.cn/learn/curriculum/world-languages) - [Early Years Learning Community](https://www.isb.cn/learn/eylc) - [Elementary School](https://www.isb.cn/learn/elementaryschool) - [Middle School](https://www.isb.cn/learn/middleschool) - [High School](https://www.isb.cn/learn/highschool) - [ISB Learns - Parent Education](https://www.isb.cn/learn/isb-learns-parent-education-series) - [Student Support Services](https://www.isb.cn/learn/student-support-services) - [Library](https://www.isb.cn/learn/library) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Co-curricular](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular) - [Co-Curricular](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular) - [Athletics](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/athletics) - [Performing Arts](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/performing-arts) - [Activities](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/activities) - [Aquatics](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/aquatics) - [Clubs and Service Groups](https://www.isb.cn/co-curricular/clubs-service-groups) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Community](https://www.isb.cn/community) - [Community](https://www.isb.cn/community) - [Advancement and Alumni](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni) - [Alumni Achievement Awards](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni/alumni-achievement-awards) - [Student Empowerment Fund](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni/student-empowerment-fund) - [ISB Leadership Talk Series](https://www.isb.cn/community/alumni/isb-leadership-talk-series) - [ISB Giving](https://www.isb.cn/community/isb-giving) - [PTA & Booster Club](https://www.isb.cn/community/pta-booster) - [Spring Fair](https://www.isb.cn/community/pta-booster/spring-fair) - [International Day](https://www.isb.cn/community/pta-booster/international-day) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [News & Media](https://blog.isb.cn) - [News and Media](https://blog.isb.cn/) - [ISB Social Media](https://www.isb.cn/news-medianews/media) - [Publications](https://www.isb.cn/news-medianews/publications-archive) - [Calendar](https://www.isb.cn/news-medianews/calendar) [Apply Now](https://isbeijing.openapply.cn/) - [Employment](https://www.isb.cn/employment) - [Calendar](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/news-medianews/calendar) - [Dragons' Gate](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/dg) - [Dragons' Exchange](https://dx.isb.bj.edu.cn/) - [PowerSchool](https://sis.isb.bj.edu.cn/public/home.html) - [Vidigami](https://www.vidigami.com/) - [Login Troubleshooting](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/quicklinks/login-troubleshooting) - [ASA Registration (SchoolsBuddy)](https://isbdragons.schoolsbuddy.net/) - SHARE - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.isb.cn/break-out) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=https://blog.isb.cn/break-out) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://blog.isb.cn/break-out) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.isb.cn/break-out) [Community](https://blog.isb.cn/tag/community) [Elementary School](https://blog.isb.cn/tag/elementary-school) [Social-emotional learning](https://blog.isb.cn/tag/social-emotional-learning) # Break Out of Your Rut: Fun Ideas for Exciting Experiences *![A collage of pictures of children enjoying games and socializing](https://blog.isb.cn/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images%202021%20-%202022/20220217%20DAR%20collage%201%2c200.jpeg?width=1200&name=20220217%20DAR%20collage%201%2c200.jpeg)*   *By Nick Yates, ISB Communications*   Children are all different, and those in Kindergarten to Grade 5 at the International School of Beijing (ISB) now have some extra ways to enjoy break times to suit their diverse personalities and interests. To help build social skills and offer more options beyond the playground, Elementary School counselors and teachers have set aside spaces stocked with games and fun activities for “Dragons Alternative Recess” (DAR). ISB will reopen to all grades next week following a period of restricted campus access to control Covid-19. One of the main reasons students are looking forward to returning is to socialize together. It’s an important part of school. Yet some children welcome a more structured way of socializing than others. Daniel Chaney, an Elementary School counselor at ISB, had noticed while supervising recess that some students chose to play on their own, not enjoying the sports on offer in the playground or the quiet reading in the Elementary School Library. So, he pitched his idea for DAR to colleagues. By January, DAR was ready for launch in an empty classroom. Students have been able to get a DAR pass just as they can for the library at break times. The new initiative supports ISB’s focus on social-emotional development – teaching children how to be healthy in body and mind alongside striving for academic achievement. Mr. Chaney said DAR was an exciting success from day one. “I noticed things happening that would never otherwise have happened without this special venue for individuals to engage socially. There was a Grade 5 boy and a Grade 4 girl playing, two students who wouldn’t have ever come into contact on a playground. We saw that it was really beneficial and sustainable.” DAR is offered for students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 on specific days each week during morning recess. There is agreement in education that children need [a variety of ways to enjoy recess](https://www.recessguardians.org/post/how-to-increase-inclusion-at-recess) if a school is to be inclusive. “There are students with athletic prowess who will go and grab a ball or Frisbee,” said Mr. Chaney, “and there are some students for whom that’s not their thing. They need to be able to sit around and chat or engage in creative activities. There’s a place now at ISB where they can do that.”   ISB’s Social and Emotional Curriculum was officially launched for the 2021-2022 academic year. To find out more, click [here](https://www.isb.bj.edu.cn/learn/curriculum/sel-philosophy-statement?_ga=2.188293864.1709728909.1641773870-1783915914.1624589341). ## [International School of Beijing](https://blog.isb.cn/) ISB is an extraordinary school, made so by a tradition of educational excellence spanning 45 years. Establishing, nurturing, and growing such an exceptional learning community has been and remains intentional; we work hard to build strong relationships so our learning is at its best. [View All Articles](https://blog.isb.cn/) Topics from this blog: [Community](https://blog.isb.cn/tag/community) [Elementary School](https://blog.isb.cn/tag/elementary-school) [Social-emotional learning](https://blog.isb.cn/tag/social-emotional-learning) [Back](https://blog.isb.cn/) ![International School of Beijing logo skyline view](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/raw_assets/public/saas-child--int-school-of-beijing/images/footer-skyline.svg) ![Small blue dots](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/raw_assets/public/saas-child--int-school-of-beijing/images/footer_flowers.svg) ![Colorful floating lanterns](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/raw_assets/public/saas-child--int-school-of-beijing/images/footer_lanterns.svg) ![footer-logo](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/raw_assets/public/saas-child--int-school-of-beijing/images/footer-logo.svg) 10 An Hua Street, Shunyi District, Beijing 101318, PRC 中国 北京市 顺义区安华街10号, 邮编：101318 +86 (10) 8149-2345 ![Beijing Public Network Security logo](https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/raw_assets/public/saas-child--int-school-of-beijing/images/footer-dis.png) 京公网安备 11011302004418号 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "International School of Beijing", "url" : "https://blog.isb.cn/author/isb" }, "dateModified" : "2024-04-09T06:21:25.100Z", "datePublished" : "2022-02-17T02:16:07.000Z", "headline" : "Break Out of Your Rut: Fun Ideas for Exciting Experiences", "image" : [ "https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images%202021%20-%202022/20220217%20DAR%20collage%201%2c200.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.isb.cn/break-out", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.isb.cn/hubfs/logo.png" }, "name" : "International School of Beijing" } } ```