Recess is an exciting part of the day for little learners, but without clear expectations, it can quickly turn into chaos! That’s where The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill comes in. After reading this captivating back to school read aloud, we complete a variety of The Recess Queen activities, which serve as the perfect springboard for teaching essential recess routines and procedures.

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The Recess Queen Read Aloud

Before diving into The Recess Queen activities, we begin by reading The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill.

The story follows Mean Jean, the undisputed ruler of the playground—until a new student, Katie Sue, arrives. Unlike the other kids, Katie Sue doesn’t back down from Mean Jean’s bossy ways. Instead of being intimidated, she surprises Jean with an unexpected act of kindness: an invitation to play. This simple gesture changes everything, showing that even the toughest playground personalities can soften with a little friendship.

The Recess Queen Activities

After reading the story, we complete a variety of The Recess Queen activities across several days.

Behavior Sort

Once we read the story one time through, we complete this whole class behavior anchor chart sort. We use the picture cards to identify good recess choices and poor recess choices. If you prefer to make this activity even more interactive, you can opt to use a pocket chart and have students place the cards.

To easily check for understanding, I like to have the students complete these printable sorts independently. You can do this right after the whole group activity or have students complete it the following day for morning work, as a quick time-filler activity, or during centers.

Analyzing Character Traits

The next day, we reread the story and then create this anchor chart to display the drastic difference in character traits between Mean Jean and Katie Sue.

I read each character trait and have the students determine which character possesses each trait.

For older students, you can dive a little bit deeper into both physical and personality traits with the included anchor chart and student printables.

Comprehension Activities

Throughout the week, we dive deep into comprehension with these The Recess Queen activities!

On the first day, after reading the story, we use these picture retell cards to retell the story. Then, the students sequence three picture cards for the beginning, middle and end of the story with this simple cut and glue sequencing activity.

Students also get to illustrate how Mean Jean’s emotions change from the beginning of the story to the end of the story with this student printable.

As I read the story, I introduce key vocabulary using these picture and definition cards.

We also review and discuss the characters, setting, problem and solution with these story element posters.

Plus, we create a simple anchor chart to display each of the story elements. The students then get to illustrate or match each element on the student printables.

We then make a connection to the story by writing and illustrating a good choice we can make at recess.

The Recess Queen Craft

Once we have read The Recess Queen several times and completed many of The Recess Queen activities, it is time to make this adorable The Recess Queen craft!

After assembling their recess queen (or king), the students get to draw and/or write how they can be a recess friend.

This craft makes a great back to school bulletin board and is a daily reminder of what it looks and sounds like to be a Recess Friend vs. a Recess Queen!

The Recess Queen Centers

Since we adore The Recess Queen, we’re excited to keep the fun going with more The Recess Queen activities during center time!

These center activities can be completed whole group or during small group instruction.

The Recess Queen Math Centers

There are four math centers which focus on beginning of the year skills!

Sequencing Swings

First, we use the number line to sequence the numbers and then write the missing number on our printable response sheet.

Subitizing Chalk

Next, we match the chalk to the correct box.

Sandbox Shapes

Then, we color the shape that matches each real-life object.

Recess Measurement

Last, we use the ruler to measure the height of each piece of playground equipment. Then we count and color how many crowns.

The Recess Queen Literacy Centers

There are also four literacy centers. Here is a sneak peek at what skills are covered at each center.

Beginning Sounds Balls

For the first literacy center, we identify beginning sounds.

Basketball Letters

Next, we match uppercase and lowercase letters.

Seesaw Rhymes

Then, we match each rhyming picture to the correct seesaw.

Jumping for Syllables

Last, we count the syllables and color the correct number.

The Recess Queen Activities and Craft

Grab The Recess Queen activities and craft here!

More Back to School Activities

If you love these The Recess Queen activities you will love with these David Goes to School activities for establishing positive behavior!

Set clear expectations for how to use school supplies with these how to use school supplies toolbox crafts and activities!

For a full list of back to school crafts students will love, check out this post!

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