Play is just as important to the school day as math and reading classes. For many children, recess is the only guaranteed time for free play in their over-scheduled day. And Physical Education is fast becoming our first line of defense against childhood obesity. Take a look at the latest research on play’s essential role in schools.
Schools Can Play a Role in Childhood Obesity Fact Sheet, Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
Research suggests that children today are spending more of their time away from home in school. Both inside and outside of the classroom, schools present opportunities for students to learn about healthful eating and exercise habits; engage in physical education; and make food and physical activity choices during school meal times and through school-related activities.
Make a Difference at Your School!, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The percentage of children who are obese has more than doubled, and among adolescents the rates have more than tripled since 1980. The good news is that schools can help students and staff adopt healthy eating and physical activity behaviors that are the keys to preventing obesity.
Recess in Elementary School: What Does the Research Say?, Olga Jarrett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, Georgia State University College of Education
Does time spent playing or learning actively detract from academic achievement? Research suggests quite the opposite. In fact, available research indicates that recess can play an important role in the learning, social development, and health of elementary school children.
Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv
As children’s connections with nature diminish, new research shows that nature can offer powerful therapy for maladies such as depression and attention deficit disorder, and environment-based education dramatically improves test scores and grade-point averages. Author Richard Louv’s research has sparked an international movement, as outdoor educators push for ‘No Child Left Inside’ funding.