ERIC Number: EJ1046575
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Jan
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Playing Fair: The Contribution of High-Functioning Recess to Overall School Climate in Low-Income Elementary Schools
London, Rebecca A.; Westrich, Lisa; Stokes-Guinan, Katie; McLaughlin, Milbrey
Journal of School Health, v85 n1 p53-60 Jan 2015
Background: Recess is a part of the elementary school day with strong implications for school climate. Positive school climate has been linked to a host of favorable student outcomes, from attendance to achievement. We examine 6 low-income elementary schools' experiences implementing a recess-based program designed to provide safe, healthy, and inclusive play to study how improving recess functioning can affect school climate. Methods: Data from teacher, principal, and recess coach interviews; student focus groups; recess observations; and a teacher survey are triangulated to understand the ways that recess changed during implementation. Comparing schools that achieved higher- and lower-functioning recesses, we link recess functioning with school climate. Results: Recess improved in all schools, but 4 of the 6 achieved a higher-functioning recess. In these schools, teachers and principals agreed that by the end of the year, recess offered opportunities for student engagement, conflict resolution, pro-social skill development, and emotional and physical safety. Respondents in these four schools linked these changes to improved overall school climate. Conclusions: Recess is an important part of the school day for contributing to school climate. Creating a positive recess climate helps students to be engaged in meaningful play and return to class ready to learn.
Descriptors: Low Income, Recess Breaks, Elementary School Students, Interviews, Focus Groups, Student Attitudes, Elementary School Teachers, Observation, Learner Engagement, Safety, Interpersonal Competence, Skill Development, Comparative Analysis, Conflict Resolution, Teacher Surveys, Teacher Attitudes, Administrator Attitudes, Educational Environment, Play, Health Promotion
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A