Conflicts at recess, averaging one every three minutes, greatly disrupt children’s play activities. However, a well-designed school layout can reduce the problem.
Unstructured outdoor play is an important part of a healthy childhood, but Ontario schoolyards are falling short.
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Problems include no fields, no courts for games, no playgrounds, no bike racks and no traffic-calming surrounding the school. Bringing in minimum standards is important.
Playing together at school helps children learn.
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Children need time to play and be outside. That will be true even if instructional hours are cut short due to social distancing.
The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for us to rethink and redesign how schools support children’s social connections and opportunities for informal play and recreation.
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Global experts in child development say recess will be critical for children’s well-being when schools reopen, so education authorities should see planning recess as a high priority.
There are many ways for children and teens to stay active.
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