Date Approved
8-9-2023
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
Education Leadership & Counseling
First Advisor
Sherie Klee
Academic Year
2022/2023
Abstract
Research has revealed that US elementary school recess has declined significantly over the past 50 years, including Coopersville Area Public Schools. The major factors that have contributed to this decline include federal policies, adminstrative perspectives, lack of funding and trained staff, and growing concern over safety and behaviors, such as bullying. Scientific investigations have more recently been conducted in response to the recess cuts or eliminations, in order to provide data that demonstrates the crucial need to provide recess to children. These studies, along with growing social organization efforts, have identified that children experience whole child benefit from recess, which further extends into the classroom. The Investing in Recess, staff professional development presentation, identifies the physical, cognitive, social emotional and classroom benefits that recess promotes, while encouraging a stakeholder buy-in to reap these benefits. This information attempts to bridge the gap between research and practice by informing the school stakeholders' understanding. The presentation and informational handout further provide research driven strategies and resources that will promote and support stakeholders in intentionally establishing an optimal recess environment.
ScholarWorks Citation
Spoelman, Kristen, "Supporting Optimal Recess in Early Childhood Settings" (2023). Culminating Experience Projects. 371.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/371
