ERIC Number: EJ1348423
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Oct
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
Available Date: N/A
The Benefits of School Recess: A Systematic Review
Hodges, Virginia C.; Centeio, Erin E.; Morgan, Charles F.
Journal of School Health, v92 n10 p959-967 Oct 2022
Background: Recess provides many physical, mental, and social benefits for students; however, the most recent systematic review examining the benefits of recess was conducted over a decade ago. The purpose of this paper was to determine the current benefits of school recess by conducting an updated systematic review of the literature. Methods: Multiple databases were systematically examined to find articles fitting the following inclusionary criteria: (a) school recess, (b) all schooling before college, and (c) recess benefits of any kind. Research was limited to literature published between June 2009 and July 2020. Results: Nine studies were included in this review. The majority of studies examined elementary-aged students. Seven studies were conducted in the United States, and 2 studies were conducted internationally. Recess provided school-aged children academic and cognitive benefits, behavioral and emotional benefits, physical benefits, and social benefits. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Providing recess for all school levels positively impacts the whole child; there was no literature implicating negative impacts of recess. Conclusions: Schools can improve overall student health and belonging by redesigning and/or implementing daily recess.
Descriptors: Recess Breaks, Literature Reviews, Elementary Secondary Education, Academic Achievement, Cognitive Processes, Student Behavior, Physical Activity Level
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A