The physical activity and social connection that take place at recess help children be more engaged once back in the classroom.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Recess
Displaying all articles
Conflicts at recess, averaging one every three minutes, greatly disrupt children’s play activities. However, a well-designed school layout can reduce the problem.
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.
Children need time to play and be outside. That will be true even if instructional hours are cut short due to social distancing.
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.
The cost and the hassles involved can stand in the way of kids joining teams and taking part in organized activities. So can cultural barriers.
Top contributors
-
Assistant Professor of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University
-
Research Associate & Lecturer, Center for Leadership in Athletics, University of Washington
-
Research Scientist (Education and Social Change), Diversity Insitute, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University
-
Associate professor, University of California, Santa Cruz
-
Lecturer, School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney
-
Assistant Professor of Law and Society, Wilfrid Laurier University
-
Professor of Education, Southern Cross University
-
PhD Candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy, University of Toronto
