TitleEvidence-based Strategies for Socially, Emotionally and Physically Beneficial School Recess
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsMassey, WV, Stellino, MB, Claassen, J, Dykstra, S, Henning, A
JournalJournal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
Volume89
Issue5
Pagination48 - 52
Date PublishedJan-06-2019
ISSN0730-3084
Abstract

Health and education disparities continue to persist in low-income communities, and in communities with a high proportion of racial and ethnic minorities. Despite recess being a main contributor to children's school-based physical activity (PA), children in the aforementioned communities have less access to recess opportunities. The purpose of this article is to present evidence-based strategies and underlying critical success factors for school-based recess implementation that can be used by health and education professionals to increase PA opportunities in urban elementary schools. A brief overview of recess programs is provided, with a specific focus on Playworks — a national non-profit organization focused on providing safe and engaging recess for children. A program evaluation of the Playworks program was conducted through 15 focus groups and 13 semi-structured interviews. Data from a content analysis was used to identify strategies and critical success factors for recess implementation. These strategies are discussed, with implications for health and education professionals.

DOI10.1080/07303084.2018.1440266
Short TitleJournal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance