Play & Recess
Learn about the importance of unstructured play, the research behind it, and tips on how to make time for it—even in high school.
Brain Breaks for Your Classroom
Everyone Needs a Brain Break!Your content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.The Importance of Recess
Recess is often sacrificed to make room for more academics. The research says that’s a big mistake.209.2kYour content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.Using Movement to Teach Vocabulary
When students explore new words through movement, they understand them better, retain them longer, and feel more empowered to use them.
What’s Lost When We Rush Kids Through Childhood
The author of "The Importance of Being Little" on the costs of our collective failure to see the world through the eyes of children.42.9kYour content has been saved!
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Time to Play: More State Laws Require Recess
Unstructured playtime is making a comeback in schools as frustrated teachers, parents, and advocacy groups demand legislative action.46.6kYour content has been saved!
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Longer Recess, Stronger Child Development
With an hour-long recess, elementary schools can help children develop through increased creative play, authentic SEL, and adequate physical regulation.43.8kYour content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.For Young Kids, The Power of Play-Based Learning
New research shows play-based learning can be more effective than direct instruction at improving outcomes for early learners—particularly in the development of mathematical and spatial skills.11.9kYour content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.Integrating Loose Parts Play Into Recess
Providing materials such as milk crates, tires, and pieces of wood amplifies student curiosity and imaginative play at recess.How a School Made Play Central to Learning
At a primary school in the UK, both students and teachers have become more engaged and curious as a result of a shift to a fully play-based approach—and learning has become more joyful for everyone.4.4kYour content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.Why Recess Should Never Be Withheld as Punishment
Experts argue that recess is necessary for a child's social and academic development, and skipping it as punishment for misbehavior or to accommodate more seat time is a serious mistake.11.8kYour content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.The Science Behind Brain Breaks
Research shows that breaks can provide more than rest. Use them to boost creativity, cognitive function, and social skills.10.4kYour content has been saved!
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Making Learning More Playful
In this series, we showcase six schools that are taking innovative—and practical—approaches to play-based learning, and share compelling evidence that learning through play benefits students of all ages.3.8kYour content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.Reintroducing Playful Learning in High School
These strategies for using play-based learning with older students can get them more engaged with your course content.How to Create More Opportunities for Open-Ended Play at Recess
Moving from competitive to cooperative activities at recess provides students with the ability to engage in more creative forms of play.267Your content has been saved!
Go to My Saved Content.How Children Process Grief and Loss Through Play
Young children will likely process the tumultuous events of 2020 in the only way they know how—through play. Here’s how adults can be supportive.8.4kYour content has been saved!
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