Young School Children’s Recess Physical Activity: Movement Patterns and Preferences
in Journal of Teaching in Physical EducationClick name to view affiliation
This study examined physical activity (PA) variables related to recess PA patterns of kindergarten, first and second grade children, and the social preferences and individuals influencing their PA. Data collected (N = 147) used the System of Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP) instrument. Children were interviewed. Kindergarten boys spent a significantly higher percentage of time in MVPA (t = 3.137, d = .96, p < .008). Kindergarten girls spent significantly more time standing (t = 3.548, d = 1.07, p < .008). Second grade boys spent a significantly (t = 4.44, d = 1.98, p < .0125) more time in sport activities. Second grade girls spent significantly more time in sedentary (t = 4.399, d = 1.11, p < .0125) and locomotor (t = 3.533, d = .899, p < .0125) activities. Participants articulated the prominence of friends, engaging in games/activities, and playing on the playground equipment.
Woods and Graber are with the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL. Daum is with Kinesiology Department, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA. Gentry is with the Department of Kinesiology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA.
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