Background/Purpose: Recess contributes approximately 42% of children's daily physical activity (RWJ, 2007). The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which kindergarten through 4th grade boys' and girls' recess physical activity preferences changed over time.
Method:
Data were collected utilizing the System of Observing Children's Physical Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP) instrument. Participants (N=249) were kindergarten (n=21 boys, n=22 girls), 1st (n=22 boys, n=20 girls), 2nd (n=17 boys, n=32 girls), 3rd (n=31 boys, n=37 girls), and 4th (n=21 boys, n=26 girls) grade students at two Midwest elementary schools.
Analysis/Results:
Descriptive statistics and MANOVA's with Scheffe's Post Hoc were used to examine the differences among grade, gender, and the SOCARP variables. As boys got older they spent significantly (p<.05) less time in small groups (2-4 people) and more time in large groups (10+). Also, as boys became older they spent less time in locomotor activities and more time in sport activities, with a significant (p<.05) increase from 1st to 2nd grade. Both boys' and girls' activity levels remained similar from kindergarten to 4th grade. As girls became older they spent more time in medium sized groups (5-9 people), less time in sedentary activities, and significantly (p<.05) more time in sport activities.
Conclusions:
Physical activity levels were similar among boys and girls, however physical activity choice changed depending on grade level. As boys aged they tended to prefer sport activities in larger groups at recess. Girls, though, tended to enjoy similar activities and group sizes K-4th grade.