Recess, Park, Play: Features in NRPA
August 30, 2018
The Country’s Greatest Playgrounds – Brought to you by IPEMA and the Voice of Play
September 13, 2018IPEMA’s Voice of Play initiative promotes growth in the quality and quantity of children’s free play and the use of playgrounds. When we wanted to uncover findings about the benefits of recess we went straight to the source – teachers! After surveying them, we hope the data will shed light on the importance of recess, and that every school will keep it a regular part of the school day.
Check out a survey stat from USA Today earlier this year!
Our favorite stat from the survey was that 100 percent of teachers said recess is essential for young students’ mental and physical development! Here are some other findings:
- After recess, 81 percent of teachers said that kids’ behaviors changes positively.
- These changes include more positive moods, longer attention spans, fewer behavior issues, increased participation in class, more eagerness to learn, and improved academic performance.
- In terms of students who tend to behave badly, nearly all the teachers surveyed – 97 percent – agreed that recess improves their behavior.
- 95 percent agree that recess improves their students’ social interactions.
- 78 percent noted their students are focused and ready for their next lesson when they return from recess.
The playground is a complex social network where kids learn valuable everyday life lessons about interacting with others, social norms and independence, all while gaining important relationship-building skills.
To read more about the survey, click here.
