Play It Forward

By Derek Chen

From the soccer field to the magical willow tree, "Play It Forward" documents the diverse settings of George Watts Montessori Elementary's playground, capturing the joy and exhilaration experienced by students in Pre-K through Grade 3 during recess. Core themes include friendship, collaboration, imagination, and mentorship, highlighted by vibrant photos and interviews with both students and teachers.

Documenting the playground has truly been a privilege, reminding me of the excitement I experienced a decade ago when I was still in elementary school. All the students and teachers I interacted with were welcoming, helping me quickly feel a sense of belonging. I'm glad I had the opportunity to relive recess while growing as a photographer and a storyteller.