Rosie the Rabbit Learns Recess Rules - A Children's Story

 

Rosie the Rabbit Learns Recess Rules

By Bill Conley—America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:

Recess is a time for fun, but it must also be a time for kindness, sharing, and respect. When we play fairly and include others, everyone can enjoy the game together. Yelling, teasing, or calling names hurts feelings and makes recess less fun for everyone. The happiest children are those who know how to wait their turn, follow the rules, and cheer for their friends. When the teacher calls us back, we must line up quickly and show respect for the school and one another. Recess is not just about play—it is about learning how to be a kind friend. By showing fairness, sweetness, and thoughtfulness, we turn playtime into joy time. A good recess is when everyone leaves the playground smiling, safe, and ready to learn.

The morning sun rose over Sunnyvale School, where children of every kind—bunnies, turtles, mice, foxes, and even owls—gathered for another exciting day. Rosie the Rabbit twitched her nose as she sat in her classroom, waiting eagerly for her favorite part of the day: recess.

Miss Owl, the wise teacher, stood at the front of the room. “Class,” she said warmly, “before we go outside today, I want to remind you that recess is not just free time—it’s a chance to practice kindness, sharing, and respect. Let’s all remember the rules so that everyone has fun.”

The bell rang, and Rosie zoomed out the door, her long ears flapping behind her. “Race you to the swings!” she shouted.

The Swings

Rosie was the fastest, and she reached the swings first. Without looking around, she hopped right on and began swinging high.

“Hey!” called Toby the Turtle, panting as he waddled up. “I was hoping for a turn!”

“And me too!” said Lila the Lamb, who stood behind him.

But Rosie pumped her legs harder. “Find something else—I got here first!”

Miss Owl glided down from her perch nearby. “Rosie, what’s our rule about the swings?”

Rosie’s ears drooped. She mumbled, “We’re supposed to share and take turns.”

“Exactly,” said Miss Owl. “Being first doesn’t mean keeping it all for yourself. Two minutes each, then pass it on. That way, everyone enjoys the fun.”

Rosie hopped off, and Toby climbed on. “Thanks, Rosie,” he said with a grin. Rosie felt a little glow of pride. Sharing really does feel better, she thought.

Kickball Trouble

Next, the group started a game of kickball. Rosie loved kickball—especially when she was the kicker.

When the ball rolled toward her, Rosie gave it a powerful kick, sending it soaring. She ran as fast as her little legs could go, but Ruby the Rabbit tagged her out before she reached base.

“No fair!” Rosie cried, stomping her foot. “You cheated! I should still be safe!”

The game stopped. Ruby’s eyes filled with tears.

Miss Owl fluttered down again. “Rosie, remember—recess is about fun, not fighting. The rules say Ruby tagged you before you touched the base. That means you’re out this time. Part of being a good friend is accepting the rules, even when we don’t win.”

Rosie’s cheeks turned pink. She shuffled back to the line. “Sorry, Ruby.”

Ruby smiled. “It’s okay. Next time, you might win.”

The game started again, and this time Rosie clapped when Ruby kicked the ball. It felt good to cheer for someone else.

The Lonely Mouse

While the others played, Rosie noticed Max the Mouse sitting all by himself near the fence. His little paws fiddled with the grass, and he looked lonely.

“Why aren’t you playing?” Rosie asked, hopping over.

“No one asked me to,” Max whispered.

Rosie’s heart sank. She remembered the times she had left others out. She bounced back toward the game. “Hey, everyone—let’s let Max play too!”

Max’s eyes lit up when the ball rolled his way. He gave it a gentle kick, and everyone cheered. Rosie realized that including others made recess even more fun.

The Slide

After kickball, the animals raced to the slide. Rosie scrambled up the ladder, but instead of sliding, she sat at the top and shouted, “I’m the queen of the slide! No one else can use it!”

The line grew long. Lila the Lamb, Benny the Bear, and Nia the Newt all waited impatiently.

Miss Owl called out, “Rosie, is that being fair?”

Rosie’s ears twitched. “I guess not.” She slid down quickly and hopped aside. “Your turn, Lila!”

Lila slid down with a laugh, then Benny, then Nia. Rosie took another turn, and this time she slid down and hopped right off so the next child could play. Sharing the slide felt better than hogging it.

The Whistle Blows

Soon, the whistle blew, signaling the end of recess. Some children groaned. Benny the Bear dragged his feet. Ruby the Rabbit kept bouncing her ball.

But Rosie remembered what Miss Owl had said: Respect means listening right away. She quickly hopped into line, paws folded politely.

Miss Owl smiled. “Excellent, Rosie. That shows you’re ready to learn.”

Rosie felt proud. She had learned so much in just one recess: sharing swings, following rules in games, including others, taking turns on the slide, and lining up quickly when called.

Back in Class

As they sat back at their desks, Miss Owl asked, “Class, what did we learn about recess today?”

Toby raised his hand. “That we should share the swings.”
Ruby said, “That cheering for others is just as fun as winning.”
Max whispered, “That including friends makes everyone happier.”
Lila added, “That taking turns is fair.”

And Rosie said softly, “That recess is more fun when we are kind.”

Miss Owl beamed. “Yes, my little learners. Recess is practice for life. When we play kindly now, we grow into kind people tomorrow.”

Rosie twitched her nose happily. Recess had taught her more than games—it had taught her how to be a better friend.

Moral of the story poem:

Recess is fun when we all play fair,
With kind little hearts that show we care.
No teasing, no yelling, no hurtful names,
Just smiles and laughter in all our games.
Share the swings, take turns with pride,
Cheer for your friends standing by your side.
When the whistle blows, line up fast,
A good recess makes happy memories last.

Discussion Questions

1.     Why is it important to take turns on the swings, slide, and games?

2.     How can we make sure no one feels left out during recess?

3.     What should we do when the whistle blows at the end of recess?