Many of us fondly recall the phrase, “Go outside and play,” from our own childhoods. As parents, it’s likely you encourage your children to do the same whenever possible. Outdoor physical activity is widely recognized as beneficial for children, but a recent study from Glasgow, Scotland, has further solidified this belief. The research indicates that unstructured outdoor play is even more advantageous for kids than attending formal physical education (PE) classes.
Implications for Schools and Curriculums
So, what does this mean for schools and curriculums? For starters, it’s essential to advocate for longer recess periods and to incorporate more time for free play during gym classes. In a trial involving seven schools in Glasgow, it was found that promoting outdoor sports and free play increased children’s physical activity by approximately thirty minutes daily.
Free play offers a flexible, less structured alternative to the often rigid and rule-bound activities found in PE classes. Given the choice, children seem to flourish in environments where they can engage in more spontaneous play. In this initiative, students were given the option to participate in activities such as throwing a ball or jumping during half-hour sessions, followed by another half-hour dedicated to free play with basic equipment like jump ropes and balls.
This approach not only meets the recommended guideline of one hour of physical activity each day but also keeps children engaged and entertained. Unfortunately, many children today are falling short of this goal, particularly in the United States, where recess and free play opportunities are frequently reduced in favor of academic instruction.
The Shift in PE Structure
While PE remains a part of the educational framework, it has increasingly taken on a more academic format. This structured nature—even when intended to be enjoyable—can hinder children’s enthusiasm for physical activity. To combat this, a school in Scotland, Active Play Academy, has introduced play zones featuring areas for soccer, jump rope, hula hoops, and Frisbees. “Active Play is straightforward: it enhances physical activity among children while helping them develop essential movement skills like coordination and balance,” noted a spokesperson for Active Play Academy. Providing children with options encourages them to engage more actively in physical pursuits.
This doesn’t mean PE is being disregarded; instead, the play zones complement the traditional PE curriculum. In the U.S., implementing play zones could serve as an excellent enhancement to recess and potentially halt the trend of cutting it altogether. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that reducing or eliminating recess could be counterproductive to academic success, as evidence increasingly suggests that recess contributes to not only physical health and social development but also cognitive performance.
Research Findings
A research study published in Preventative Medicine Reports indicated that prior to introducing the new program, children were sedentary for about three hours each school day—nearly half of their time at school. After the program’s implementation, their sedentary behavior decreased by 18.6%, and moderate to vigorous activity saw an increase of 2.8%. “Active play is an area that hasn’t been thoroughly researched, but interest is growing in its potential to enhance physical activity,” commented Laura Sinclair, a researcher at Strathclyde University’s physical activity for health group. With childhood obesity and increased screen time becoming critical issues for American youth, it’s vital for decision-makers to find ways to offer children more opportunities for movement and play.
Conclusion
Since schools are where children spend the majority of their day, they are the perfect setting for these changes to be implemented. Currently, there are no signs that this initiative will cross over to the U.S., but it represents an opportunity worth exploring. For more insights, you can check out additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination at The Center.
In summary, the benefits of free play significantly outweigh those of structured PE classes, and schools should consider adopting more flexible play options to enhance children’s physical activity and overall well-being.