Playground Rules for Kids

Students are introduced to rules at a very early age. There are rules at home, school and many other places within a community. One place that may have a unique set of rules that children need to follow is one of their favorite places – the playground!

Let’s check out some rules to introduce to your students to keep them safe and happy while playing outside.

• Use playground equipment as intended. Encourage children to use each piece of playground equipment as it was designed. Climbing on designated structures and using swings properly helps prevent accidents.
• Wait your turn. Encourage kids to take turns on swings, slides and other equipment to avoid overcrowding and potential accidents.
• Stay within boundaries. Children should remain within the defined boundaries in playgrounds with fences or designated play areas.

While there are many more that we can add to this list, these are some suggestions to help your students create an enjoyable play place for everyone.

Recess Social Story

If your students are in need of a refresher of how to behave properly while playing outside, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a social story to use with your students before going out to recess. Help students remember the rules for the playground so they can keep themselves and their friends safe.

This teacher-created mini-book was designed in a simple manner with real-life photographs to help students make connections and understand the examples. The last page of the mini-book also poses a question with three picture choices for students to choose from as their answer.

How to Get Your Story About Rules on the Playground

If you are ready to download this SEL reader, head on over to the green download button! Here, you can access the quick-print PDF file and editable Google Slides version. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

To assemble the mini-book, simply print out the pages, cut them in half, assemble the half pages on top of each other and staple along the left-hand side.

Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

More Social Story Readers For You!

If you are looking to add to your collection of social narrative stories, check out some of our suggested mini-books below!

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Calming Down Mini-Book

Help your students to keep calm when they are experiencing heightened emotions with this social story mini-book.

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Social Stories - Personal Space

Learn about the importance of leaving personal space when interacting with others with this personal space social story.

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Making Good Choices Mini-Book

Help your students develop strategies for making good choices with this printable social story mini-book.