A Study Examining the Role of Recess Activities on Student Development on the Playground for Middle School Students
Graduation Date
Spring 2003
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
This study intends to look at the middle school setting during the lunchtime period. The study examines reactions from students, yard supervisors, and administration, to determine if they find having organized lunchtime programs beneficial to positively influencing student development. Lunchtime activities come in two forms of play: structured and unstructured. “Do these types of play effect the development of a child?” It is the purpose of this study to gain knowledge of the effectiveness of lunchtime activities and how they can influence student development. From the early 19th century, theorists have addressed the need for student choice and developmental needs. It has been published through such articles and digests that lunchtime activities will help to provide students with these needs. In opposition to these activities are those persons who feel lunchtime activities would be better used if eliminated, and the time was used to support mandated curriculum. Through questionnaires of middle school students, yard supervisors and administrators, this study will answer the question of the value of lunchtime activities.