Playground Activity Leaders in Schools (P.A.L.S.) is a playground leadership program. Peers take the lead to encourage ALL classmates to take part in activities.
How can P.A.L.S. make a difference at your school?
The P.A.L.S. program will benefit your students by:
- increasing their physical activity on the playground
- decreasing conflict and reducing playground bullying
- providing leadership opportunities and building Developmental Assets® for students.
Who developed the P.A.L.S. program?
The Region of Peel Public Health Department developed P.A.L.S. in 2003.
Halton Region adapted the program to prevent bullying and promote physical activity and youth engagement in Halton schools.
Developmental Assets® (external link) are added to the program to encourage healthy behaviours and development in students as they develop skills and relationships.
What staff supports do you need to begin a P.A.L.S. program?
To put a P.A.L.S. program In place at your school, you need to recruit:
- school staff who will train student leaders and support the program
- students in grades 4-6 who wish to act as playground leaders for younger students at recess
How do I access the P.A.L.S. resources?
- The P.A.L.S. program consists of several documents, all of which are available below for downloading.
- Permission is granted by Halton Region for the printing of these documents.
Program overview
Supervisor materials
Student leader materials
Games and safety
- Games Book( (PDF file) – A collection of playground games (i.e. skipping, ball games) compiled by staff at Halton District School Board and Halton Health Department to be used by P.A.L.S. Supervisors and Student Leaders.
- Games Book (Games Ring Format) (PDF file) – This version of the Games Book has been formatted to allow P.A.L.S. Supervisors to laminate the pages and cut them in half to create weather-resistant flashcards or a games ring. (Note: Printing the document once will produce two copies of the Games Book).
- Equipment List (PDF file) – A list of all equipment required for every game included in the Games Book.
- Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines (external PDF file) – Guidelines developed by the Ontario Physical and Health Education Associations. This resource can be used as a reference to ensure safety on the playground (please also follow your school’s safety guidelines).
Program feedback
Additional resources
Bullying Prevention
Developmental Assets®
Youth engagement