THE EFFECTS OF RECESS AND PE IN LEARNING

The author is Teacher

RENEROSE C. PABLO

Today’s children experience a decreased amount of time at recess and fewer physical education (PE) classes throughout the school day.

Breaks for physical activity limit class time for academics, potentially reducing learning. However, breaks may improve alertness and achievement.

Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey Kindergarten Class, researchers evaluated how recess and PE in elementary school influence children’s learning.

Researchers find no statistically significant or economically significant impacts of weekly recess or PE time on student learning for kindergarteners through fifth graders.

For example, in kindergarten, adding an hour a week of recess reduces the average test score gain in reading by a statistically insignificant 0.01 standard deviations.

An additional 49 minutes per week of PE in kindergarten improves reading test score gains by a statistically insignificant 0.05 standard deviations.

The researchers also find no statistical difference in the male and female students’ response to recess and PE. Evidence suggests that recess and PE do not harm student outcomes.

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I at San Matias Elementary School, Sta. Rita, Pampanga