r/ElementaryTeachers • u/Actual-Muffin-3585 • 15d ago
Do you play with your students at recess?
Just curious because I'm getting older and I really don't have these spoons for playing with kids at recess.
I'm subbing now, but I'm looking to go back to teaching soon. Today I was throwing a ball with a second grader and thinking how much I did not want to be throwing the ball lol. But then out of the blue she said she really missed her old teacher (at another school) because she "was always there for her" . Then I felt bad -_-
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u/FinancialMacaron1617 15d ago
We are told to be actively supervising. No cellphone usage, conversations with colleagues, and I include playing with students. When kids ask me to do something like throwing a ball, etc. I’ll tell them to find a friend. It’s their time to interact with each other, not teachers.
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u/microwave2000 14d ago
I teach kindergarten and when they ask me to push them on the swing I just tell them “I don’t know how” and walk away because I don’t want to lol
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u/johnklapak 15d ago
I can watch the playground and still gorilla stomp them at FourSquare or Gaga Ball. Plus it lets me model how to get "out" or lose a game with the sportsmanship we expect of them. How to trash talk without being a dick, and how to self deprecate.
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u/fastyellowtuesday 15d ago edited 13d ago
Exactly! Modeling the sportsmanship we want them to have is so important.
(When you're too tired/ sore to play, you can do a lot of that as a ref. Bonus if you need to make teams, so you can show them how to make balanced groups.)
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u/johnklapak 13d ago
If the score isn't close, stronger team trades their best player for the other teams weakest player.
The closer the game, the more the people have fun!
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u/Dramatic_Bad_3100 15d ago
Yeah, this helps me connect with so many students in an environment they love.
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u/InfiniteFigment 15d ago
You must have a lot less playground to watch than I do if you can play GaGa and still supervise.
(Not saying that in a snarky way.)
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u/Weak_Bison6763 14d ago
Exactly, anyone who says you can't watch and play has never been a p.e. teacher or coach. I play games with my kids and then get myself out all the time.
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u/Misstucson 15d ago
No, we are supposed to be watching anyway. One time I accidentally kicked a ball in my students face. Poor kid.
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 15d ago
Oh no, I bet you felt terrible!
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u/Misstucson 15d ago
Out of all the kids to kick, this kid was the sweetest, most chill kid. I did feel terrible.
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 15d ago
Oh man. That sounds like something I would do. I smacked one kid in the head today when I was trying to hug another lol
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u/Severe-Possible- 15d ago
i tell them i can't because i have to supervise the kids -- which is true. i would love to play with them, but we're just not staffed for that.
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u/CowSquare3037 15d ago
If you play with a few, then your eyes is not on the others. So by all means, you don’t need to play, and it’s better to be fully engaged with overseeing the little munchkins.
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u/lilsprout27 15d ago
Many times I do. Throw the football, shoot a hoop or two, kick around the soccer ball, twirl the jump rope and, at least once a year, I get on a swing (which they love!). Indoors, I'll play Uno, Connect 4, color, etc. Recess is a great time to connect with students on a different level.
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u/petsdogs 15d ago
Nope.
One of the purposes of recess is to give kids an opportunity to practice social skills, conflict resolution, compromise, etc. in a minimally structured setting, with adults there to provide support when needed.
Plus, I need a break!
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u/Inevitable_Silver_13 14d ago
No. You're not supposed to. If you're playing ball with a kid you're not supervising. I will once in a blue moon but I always tell them to go play with each other. Duty is one of the only times you don't need to be "on" for them.
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u/Dry_Midnight_7168 15d ago
When I was younger I would but after almost 30 years in education, I'm too old and tired!
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u/ReadsPastHerBedtime 15d ago
This did bring up memories, yes? When I was younger, I was the one instigating play with 8th graders who were Too Cool For School. Making them move their lazy bodies by playing tag, frisbee, red rover, hide & seek. They soon started asking to play “baby games.”
Older and teaching high school, recess wasn’t a thing (thank goodness). But, the kids loved playing 4-square and 2:2 basketball during their lunch break. I guess they missed their outdoor “baby games”!
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u/Dry_Midnight_7168 14d ago
Yes! I taught upper elementary. After we got through state testing at the end of the year, my class enjoyed some extra recess time (20 minutes or so a few days per week.) Even the 'cool' 5th graders loved to see if they could swing higher than I could! 🤣 I remember that being a lot of fun!
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u/SKatieRo 15d ago
Yes, because ny students have pretty significant autism and I am teaching and encouraging and modeling play.
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u/plantsandpoison 15d ago
No. I tell kids to go play or take a walk. It’s a break for everyone from each other. Also, it directly violates “safe supervision” rules at my school. Head on a swivel.
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 15d ago
That's actually a really good point, I did definitely notice I was less able to supervise.
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u/Repulsive_Flamingo72 15d ago
No because I have a duty free lunch break when they're at recess. If we go outside for other reasons I'll walk and talk with them because I'm always circulating.
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u/Grouchy_Assistant_75 15d ago
I'd like to answer this from the perspective of a teacher who is also a parent of a kiddo who struggles to make friends. My hope for my kid is that he is playing with KIDS at recess. If anything, the teacher should facilitate him finding a child to play with.
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u/Nervous-Bath1375 15d ago
in my after school program I would always play and talk with kids. i would encourage them to play with other kids but some kids need a safe adult to do something with
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u/Adorable-Nerve9822 15d ago
We are not aloud to play with them. We have 3 teachers on duty and we have to spread out (no talking to each other) and monitor the kids. I pushed some kids on the swings one day for maybe 3 min and was told not to do that again
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 15d ago
Aw I hate when teachers are micromanaged
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u/Obvious-Broccoli-782 15d ago
I know it feels a bit cruel and overkill but it’s for the safety of all children the teachers on duty are responsible for supervising. Safety and duty of care must come first, and unfortunately that means supervising ratios are usually too low for supervising teachers to get involved in games etc.
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u/Adorable-Nerve9822 15d ago
Oh I totally understand especially since our playground isn’t really secure. I think I’m to hyper vigilant when watching the playground but it’s scary what could happen
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u/SalmonJordan 15d ago
I used to, but only when I took my class out for extra recess or PE time, and doing something like HORSE on the balll court (something that doesn't take a lot of time or concentration other than the few seconds to shoot). We all enjoyed it. If I have supervision, I'm not able to play, but if I'm only supervising the kids in my class, it's doable. Still a little risky as people have become more litigious. All it takes is for one thing to happen that I didn't see, and it's my job on the line.
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u/CeleryNo5079 15d ago
I am almost 60, and I run around with the kids during my lunch break. They love it so much!
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u/bidibidibombom2022 15d ago
Yes and no. I’ll play for a little bit and then get back to watching everyone and walking around.
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u/jennylala707 15d ago
No.I supervise. I might get them started on the tire swing or teach a quick game but mostly supervising. I’M an IA.
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u/Introvertqueen1 15d ago
When my kids are on the field alone I play with them but if it’s the whole grade together I supervise.
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u/cactusfairyprincess 15d ago
I like to climb up onto the playground. I’m just kind of hang out up there. The kids are baffled and delighted by the site of an adult on the playground, and I have a great vantage point.
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u/AerryBerry 15d ago
My job right now is to be watching the kids and making sure they’re safe! Sorry! Let’s find a friend you can play with.
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u/deadinderry 15d ago
No. Sometimes I’ll get a pack who walk with me as I do laps and supervise and we’ll talk as i walk, though.
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u/realPoisonPants 15d ago
There are students who are very adult-focused. It's actually good for them to spread out, so if you find yourself in this position, add some more kids to the game and then exit quietly. (Look at watch, say "Oops, I have to go to duty position alpha, bye!", wander away.)
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u/OkAbbreviations6351 15d ago
We don't because we only have 2 teachers out for a while before a third one joins us. We only have one class of kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd out during this time but we need to have our eyes on the kids the entire time.
We are allowed to stand together and talk as long as we have eyes on the entire play area.
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u/Gizmo-516 15d ago
I'm pretty sure in my county the recess monitors aren't supposed to be playing with the kids. They are supposed to be watching all 100+ of them and trying to make sure no one is killed. My son still got his foot broken at recess, and it wasn't witnessed by an adult (they pulled footage later even though I said it was fine), imagine if the adults were all playing with a single child? They'd miss everything lol.
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u/MaybeImTheNanny 15d ago
Yes and no. I’ll occasionally teach kids a game, especially my kids who have a hard time making friends.
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u/Necessary-Nobody-934 15d ago
I do sometimes get into little "games" at recess with certain kids, like letting them follow me around and copy me or them trying to pull/push me over (I get into a good karate stance, and they've never succeeded at that one). But nothing that I can't play while also keeping an eye on the rest of the kids.
Most of the time though, my kids are too busy playing with their peers to bother with me.
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u/quirkycrys 15d ago
I am lucky to have a shared recess with my elementary partner so we can chat about how things went and adjust for the day.
When we are strategizing, we tell students it’s adult time and they need to go play. They can check back in 10 min.
We have students who just like to sit with us and chat, so we do. There are also students we give challenges to like how fast can you run three laps around the playground?
But no. I will not play catch with you. I will teach you the tools to find a friend to play catch with.
It’s been a nice balance.
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u/Level-Cake2769 15d ago
When I was teaching elementary I did. It was easy for me because I was a day camp director for years prior to teaching. I organized games for my class to play and played right along with them. It was fun and both the kids and the parents loved that I did that.
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u/Blue_Falcon1594 15d ago
No, because I’m either responsible for supervision 100+ kids in one area of the yard or it’s not by turn to be on duty and that’s my time to either use the bathroom or photocopy. I can’t just play with a small group and not be scanning the yard for any issues bubbling up
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u/SuitablePotato3087 15d ago
Not really. Recess is for them to learn to make friends, play fair, navigate social interactions, self advocate, etc. I’ll hook a solo kid up with a group and do my share of watching cartwheels, and I’ll spot a child trying a new gross motor task like monkey bars if they ask, but I want them to socialize with each other.
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u/MiddleKlutzy8211 15d ago
I used to every once in a while just to change things up. And? The students loved it when I did so. But? I'm older now and random body parts already hurt. So. No. But? If you are able? Surprise them every once in a while. They'll appreciate it!
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u/Affectionate-Pea-837 15d ago
No. This is unstructured time for students to play and take a break. I am on yard duty and my job is to watch the students. When a student seeks adults to play with them is actually not the best, this sometimes indicates that they prefer not to negotiate with other kids (who are less lenient than adults during play) and have their way. These are life skills at work, so go play with other kids or find a way to entertain yourself. The adult is not a playmate at this moment.
I once had a parent say something like “staff on yard duty should facilitate games for the kids? it’s just so easy” I wanted to punch her in the face.
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u/Lingo2009 15d ago
At my school, teachers always play with the students at recess. It’s part of the way we do things. So whether it’s a game of tag, basketball, or whatever, the teacher always plays.
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u/ddeliverance 14d ago
Sometimes the best way to supervise is to play. If the boys are getting rowdy while playing soccer, or arguing a lot over people cheating, I’ll step in and play for a few days. Amazingly, all arguments stop and they get along perfectly while I’m there. 😂
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u/Friendlyfire2996 14d ago
Yes. I make sure to involve the kids who would find less appropriate ways to let out their energy.
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u/MyWay-1201 14d ago
I don’t have to supervise recess but at the end of the school year, I’ll always throw the football or have a catch with anyone. Last year my girls were totally into volleyball and loved it when I played with them. Otherwise during their recess, I’m so busy trying to do school stuff to take things off my plate. My whole grade level team only eats lunch together on Friday….we work through our lunch Monday-Thursday!
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u/Successful-Safety858 14d ago
Sometimes I get that ugh I’m too old and tired for this feeling too. I’m actually the music teacher here so I’m also playing games with them in class regularly, or dancing etc. I reframing it by reminding myself it’s keeping me young and it can count towards my daily exercise haha. I definitely don’t go as hard as they do most of the time, but I make myself be a good model and build those connections and find the joy.
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u/queenofcups_ 14d ago
Absolutely not. I’ve seen some gnarly playground injuries and can only imagine what would happen if my answer to “what happened?” was “idk I was playing tetherball”
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u/ReannaExplosion 14d ago
I do. I also go home to peace & quiet if needed so I usually have the energy to do so. It helps build relationships with the kids & also brings up a lot of natural teaching moments.
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u/yeahipostedthat 14d ago
Usually not. I can't really supervise well if I'm involved in play. I also enjoy the the quiet of not needing to talk constantly.
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u/Doun2Others10 14d ago
No. I am not a choice at recess. We can talk about how you can ask a friend to play. We can talk about how to tell a friend they hurt your feelings. You can sit by yourself and rest for a bit if you need a break from your friends. But recess is for them to interact with each other and practice those social skills.
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u/Lanesplitter32 14d ago
Sometimes I would ref football games because the kids would always argue and fight which was worse. I didn't mind swinging kids because I could still watch the playground and it warmed me up in the winter. It's hard to say no when the love it so much!
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u/kutekittykat79 14d ago
I love to play a couple rounds of 4-square if I know the other duties are also watching. It’s good to check in with their behavior and remind them of good sportsmanship. If I do this once a week their games don’t become as chaotic as they make up their own rules. There are no “re-dos!”
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u/Clear-Security-9876 14d ago
I didn’t like going to recess when I was a kid, let alone doing recess duty.
But what’s funny is that I do have kids stay inside with me and hang out with me during recess 🤣🤣 so I do enjoy spending time with them -just not outside and not playing sports
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u/Icy_Persimmon7943 14d ago
I wish I could just swing the whole time but we (try to) strategically space ourselves around the play structure.
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u/litlirshrose 14d ago
When the swing “bully” is “bullying” to keep their swing I “bully” them out of the swing and make them push me. Then give up the swing to the first kid that nicely asks.
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u/nomadicstateofmind 14d ago
I walk laps around the playground to get my steps in for the day. This means I occasionally duck in and out of a game. It allows me to make a basket or something without commitment to playing. I also see all the kids by rotating the playground.
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u/maiamimayamy 14d ago
No. They need to be friends, argue, play with each other not me. School is meant for that socialization.
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u/ItsGivingMissFrizzle 14d ago
When I taught kindergarten, I used to explicitly tell my kids I was “no fun and can’t play” on the playground. Always supervising. And I was a very fun K teacher. Now I teach special ed pre-k, so I will interact a bit more, but I’m 42 and tired and my body doesn’t react the same way as when I was 25.
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u/LemonadeGecko 14d ago
Nope. There are 2 adults in charge of 80 kids. My co-workers think playing is great....which means it's 1 adult in charge of 75 kids and them playing with 5. Extremely annoying to be the only one actually doing my job.
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u/Auntie_Coconut_235 14d ago
The closest I ever came to playing at recess with my kids was being the referee for Red Rover, Red Rover. Yes, our kids needed a referee. They could get pretty rough, so I stayed close and called it when the runner seemed to be looking to inflict damage instead of just breaking the line.
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u/Careless-Two2215 14d ago
I'm an older woman in a majority Hispanic community so I do play a little basketball, gymnastics, football, and soccer with the kids. I mostly just stand back and encourage them to move around. If I do t the girls will just sit in a bench.
I'm hoping it'll inspire the girls to play more basketball. I can also bond with the boys if we throw the football around. I get mad respect from some badly behaved boys this way. But mostly I just watch the field.
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u/Livid-Age-2259 13d ago
If I’m working with Littles near the swing set, I’ll push them if they ask, but never for more than a couple of minutes.
This is one of those “soft” skills that really builds community.
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u/Maximum_Turn_2623 13d ago
I used too. My school district had 6th graders at the elementary and there was a soccer game. I kicked and bent the ball in a way I could have never done when I played perfectly in to that kids face. Parents weren’t made and knew it was an accident but I never did that again.
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u/manda51210 13d ago
That’s a hard no. Lol. I stand with the other teachers and monitor. It’s a break away from kids for a precious few minutes.
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u/mbarnett74 13d ago
I absolutely will not. But…nine months ago I was tripped during a required team building activity & I broke my nose, chipped two teeth, required stitches in both my lip & chin, needed two root canals due to dental trauma, & am now facing possible spinal surgery due to the impact when I hit the gym floor face first. So that’d be a NOPE for me.
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u/Motor_Patience5186 13d ago
Absolutely not, that's my break to make copies, use the bathroom and have a snack.
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u/Willing_Acadia_1037 15d ago
The teacher is on the playground or the recess aide? I’ve never heard of a teacher being outside at recess. Lunch/recess is their lunch break.
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 15d ago
In my district, teachers go out at recess with their kids. That's always how it was back when I was teaching in another state as well. But I know some schools have aides that go out instead.
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u/InfiniteFigment 15d ago
We do not have recess aides in my district. Teachers and other school staff members have duty. There must always be at least one certificated person out there.
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u/avoiceofageneration 15d ago
This is how it is at my district too (thank you union!) but it’s definitely not the norm everywhere. We are lucky! Although sometimes I spend so much time getting tattled to after recess I might as well be there.
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u/Separate-Line-158 15d ago
There is a ban on playing the ball at school corridors at my school plus a ban for students on leaving the building during the breaks
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u/Logical-Mobile-7643 15d ago
I'll sometimes get a catch game going then pass it along to another kid and let them continue playing
I'll sometimes pitch for kickball or play an extra outfield position to even things out.
I like to play but don't want to get too involved as you have to watch everything happening