Describes recent reductions or elimination of recess at the elementary school level. Discusses the benefits of recess for children's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Argues that recess has educational and social values and should not be eliminated from the school day. (KB)

Vandalism may be reduced and wholesome physical and emotional growth enhanced through creatively designed and properly supervised recreational facilities. International examples are cited. (DW)

Discusses research and theory of play in children's development and factors reducing the amount of play time children experience. Surveyed teachers' attitudes toward play, and provision of play for children in grades one through six. Teachers from rural areas provided more play time than teachers from suburban areas, who in turn provided more play…

Studied the conceptualization of the role of the recreation teacher (instructor in leisure time centers in schools) during team planning sessions in two Swedish schools. Recreation instructors were generally viewed as teachers' assistants, a finding that suggests that recreation instructors who want to develop an occupational identity as the…

After-school activity programs to alleviate the worries of working parents with school-age children and to provide these children with directed play are proposed. A budget for such a program; how to locate volunteers; and a sample schedule are suggested. (JL)

This report describes a before- and after-school program for children in prekindergarten through grade 5, implemented at a rural elementary school. The feasibility of the program was evaluated by a survey conducted at a Parent Teacher Association meeting. Because it has become more common for both parents to work outside the home, the number of…

This 2-year study describes existing day care arrangements for school age children and examines the problems of providing day care for these children. A total of 30 day care centers and 73 family day care homes were included in the analysis, based on observation and interview schedules developed for the study. In addition to a general description…

Empirical research on the role of school recess is reviewed. Effects of child-level and school-level variables on recess behavior and the impact of recess on classroom behavior and social and cognitive competence are discussed. It is concluded that recess has important educational and developmental implications. (SLD)

Team Lincoln was created to foster collaboration between the university and the school and to provide a program of organized recess activities for 450 at-risk children in grades 1-6. This school-based service learning program is described, and an evaluation of the program is presented including two case studies. (Author/EMK)