What is R-Time?

We team with other people in the class and talk. It helps us to be confident.

Ben, Year 3

In R-Time, we work with someone we might not normally work with.

Elliott, Year 6

R time is an exciting, dynamic, fun-filled Personal and Social Education programme that is delivered weekly in classes at Parkview.

The emphasis is upon creating effective, respectful relationships. 

R time has been shown to improve behaviour, reduce bullying, raise self-esteem and accelerate learning.

How does R-Time work?

Step 1. R time Rule and Instruction (Expectations)

During R time, there are always expectations that children will use good manners, make eye contact when speaking, use each other's names and use the respectful language of taking turns, sharing and fairness.

Step 2. Random Pairing

The children love working each time with a different partner enabling them, over time, to work with all of the children in the class. Just watch the relationships improve!!

Step 3. Introduction (Greeting)

Once the children are in pairs, either on the classroom carpet (where they sit face to face) or sitting at a desk ( where they incline their chairs towards each other), they greet each other by name, taking turns.
This can be a simple greeting or extended by sharing some information with the partner.

Step 4. The Activity

The activities for each year group are for the teacher to lead and present. None are educationally challenging but all rely on process rather than content.
The process, through which the teacher is guided, emphasises throughout the activity, the interpersonal skills of relationships and respectful communication.

Step 5. Plenary or Feedback

The children, led by the teacher, have the opportunity to reflect on the activity they have shared with their partner and how their cooperative interaction enabled it to be a success......or otherwise!

Step 6. Conclusion

At the end of the session the children thank their partner. This can be a simple "thank you" using partners name or, perhaps a sentence beginning with “thank you for...." which will reflect how they have worked together.
Each R time session ends on this positive note.