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Studies on Play

The Power of Play

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Don’t just take our word for it: Why play matters has been the subject of several studies. Time and time again, research has shown that healthy play and recess help kids succeed in the classroom — and need to be taken seriously.

Please note that Sports4Kids has changed its name to Playworks. Studies prior to July 2009 will list the organization as Sports4Kids.

The State of Play
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
February 4, 2010

A new, first-of-its-kind Gallup poll reveals that elementary school principals overwhelmingly believe recess has a positive impact not only on the development of students’ social skills, but also on achievement and learning in the classroom.

School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior
Pediatrics
January 1, 2009

Children in urban, low-income schools are less likely to have recess than students in other schools. Teachers cite improved behavior in the classroom when students have recess.

Assessing Recess
Playworks and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
January 1, 2008

Over three-quarters of Americans believe that children aren’t getting enough physical playtime on a daily basis, and 91 percent agree that recess helps children stay focused and learn in the classroom.

Recess Rules!
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
January 1, 2007

Recess is the single biggest opportunity to raise the level of physical activity for all children, yet those who come from minority or low-income families are being shortchanged when it comes to recess time.