Not all recesses were created equally.
According to a new study out of Washington University in St. Louis, urban public school children get more exercise when given the opportunity to play outside during recess[1] , as opposed to having to play indoors in a school gym or classroom.
The study compared how much exercise 106 St. Louis students in second grade through fifth grade got when they had outdoor recess, indoor recess in a gym and indoor recess in a classroom.
The results showed that students took the most steps and attained the highest heart rate when they played outside; they got the least exercise when they played inside of a classroom. For example, when playing outside during recess, boys took 1,281 steps, as compared to the 378 steps they took during indoor recess in a classroom.
The children in the study only had physical education several times a week, so on some days, recess was their only opportunity to exercise, study co-author Susan B. Racette[2] told The Huffington Post over the phone.
“In Missouri we have daily recess, but it might be inside in the gym, or if gym isn’t available, in the classroom,” Racette said. "We wanted to quantify how much activity the students are actually getting.”
Racette told HuffPost that she thinks the study proves that schools need to come up with viable ways for children to get exercise if outdoor recess is not possible.
“If weather is bad there needs to be appropriate alternatives,” Racette said. “The gym would be logical but it needs to be set up in a way so children can actually move around. There can be active classroom opportunities but there needs to be someone whose actually leading classroom games.”
Racette explained that this problem is somewhat unique to urban school districts, as most affluent areas have physical education classes everyday.
“If you have daily [physical education classes] and if it is well structured, recess becomes less vital,” Racette said. “In school districts where P.E. is only once or twice a week, I think [recess is] incredibly vital.”
The study was published in the November issue of Preventing Chronic Disease[3] , a peer-reviewed electronic journal.
Earlier on HuffPost:
Kindergarten Kekec by Arhitektura Jure Kotnik -- Ljubljana, Slovenia
An extension of a typical Slovenian prefab kindergarten from the '80s, the colorful, interactive design is a response to the school's lack of play equipment. The addition's three exterior walls are made of "toy slats": natural wooden planks that the kids can play with to "get to know different colors, experience wood as a natural material and constantly change the appearance of their kindergarten, all at the same time."
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Miran Kambič via <a href="http://housevariety.blogspot.com/2011/03/kindergarten-kekec-by-arhitektura-jure.html#.UDHC1dDl3nQ">House Variety</a>Kindergarten Kekec by Arhitektura Jure Kotnik -- Ljubljana, Slovenia
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Miran Kambič via <a href="http://housevariety.blogspot.com/2011/03/kindergarten-kekec-by-arhitektura-jure.html#.UDHC1dDl3nQ">House Variety</a>Bailly School Complex by Mikou Design Studio -- Saint-Denis, France
A catalyst for the development of an up-and-coming community, the bold learning complex houses a pre-school, an elementary school, and a rec center. Circulation is through a series of interior courtyards, allowing children to get fresh air between classes and to have a pleasant -- albeit brief -- experience of the outdoors during an otherwise enclosed school day.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Florian Kleinfenn via<a href="http://www.german-architects.com/en/projects/35702_bailly_school_complex/all/featured"> german-architects </a>Bailly School Complex by Mikou Design Studio -- Saint-Denis, France
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Florian Kleinfenn via<a href="http://www.german-architects.com/en/projects/35702_bailly_school_complex/all/featured"> german-architects </a>Crèche Rue Pierre Budin by ECDM -- Paris, France
Built around an expansive courtyard, this whimsical day-nursery sits in an eclectic Parisian neighborhood next to an intrusive 12-story building. Keeping the size of its Lilliputian inhabitants in mind, the scale of the project is intentionally small, and the design focuses on protection, both from the encroaching building next door and the city in general. The French architects described this elegant, cheerful school by stating that "the goal is to propose for this tiny program a frame of living that generates as much an emotion with the future occupants (children, parents, staff) than the local residents." A win-win situation for the kids and the community.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Luc Boegly via<a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/28/creche-rue-pierre-budin-by-ecdm/"> dezeen </a>Crèche Rue Pierre Budin by ECDM -- Paris, France
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Luc Boegly via<a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/28/creche-rue-pierre-budin-by-ecdm/"> dezeen </a>Galjoen School by Rocha Tombal -- The Hague, The Netherlands
This red brick primary school is intended to wind around the site like a giant, motherly crocodile. Tapping into ideas about security and adventure, the designers explain that "with its friendly face and an attractive identity, this 'colorful animal' will improve the atmosphere of the square." Playing off of a pre-existing industrial power station, the two buildings form a protected outdoor play space complete with a garden.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Christian Richters via<a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/28/creche-rue-pierre-budin-by-ecdm/"> dezeen </a>Galjoen School by Rocha Tombal -- The Hague, The Netherlands
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Christian Richters via<a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/28/creche-rue-pierre-budin-by-ecdm/"> dezeen </a>Timayui Kindergarten by Giancarlo Mazzanti -- Santa Marta, Colombia
The Timayui preschool is made up of flexible modules surrounding a courtyard like the petals of a flower, creating playgrounds, outdoor classrooms, gardens, and orchards. Not only does the school provide a healthy, inspiring environment for the children, but it also strives to ameliorate the surrounding impoverished community. Hoping to lead by example, the innovative, open-source project was designed to be easily replicated.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.hicarquitectura.com/2011/06/giancarlo-mazzanti-escuela-rural-en.html"> HIC* </a>Timayui Kindergarten by Giancarlo Mazzanti -- Santa Marta, Colombia
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.hicarquitectura.com/2011/06/giancarlo-mazzanti-escuela-rural-en.html"> HIC* </a>Leimondo Nursery School by Archivision Hirotani Studio -- Nagahama, Japan
The focal point of this Japanese nursery school is what the architects are calling a House of Light, conical light-wells "of different shapes, different colors and facing different directions, changing with the time and the seasons." The kids are invited to notice the change in light during the year and to play and chase the lights as they move across the walls of the room. Poetic and brilliant.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/the-leimondo-nursery-school/28040/"> Architizer </a>Leimondo Nursery School by Archivision Hirotani Studio -- Nagahama, Japan
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/the-leimondo-nursery-school/28040/"> Architizer </a>The Josephine Baker Schools by Dominique Coulon & Associés -- La Courneuve, France
<a href="http://www.coulon-architecte.fr/">Dominique Coulon & Associés</a> have given a lot of thought to the needs of a child, and the difference between children and adults. According to Coulon, "it isn't just another school which has been designed as an area for adults in a micro scale serving children." The designers really wanted to emphasize the relationship between a child's small frame and the space.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Eugeni Pons via <a href="http://yatzer.com/The-Josephine-Baker-School-in-La-Courneuve"> Yatzer </a>; Olivier Nicollas via <a href="http://yatzer.com/The-Josephine-Baker-School-in-La-Courneuve"> Yatzer </a>The Josephine Baker Schools by Dominique Coulon & Associés -- La Courneuve, France
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Eugeni Pons via <a href="http://yatzer.com/The-Josephine-Baker-School-in-La-Courneuve"> Yatzer </a>; Olivier Nicollas via <a href="http://yatzer.com/The-Josephine-Baker-School-in-La-Courneuve"> Yatzer </a>Antas Education Centre by AVA Architects -- Porto, Portugal
The striking simplicity of this project stands out and reminds us of a quote by the great American columnist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_E._Vaughan">Billy Vaughn</a>, famous for his folksy aphorisms: "A three-year-old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a 56-dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm." Surely a child would find great pleasure and inspiration in this blank green canvas of a space.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: José Campos via <a href="http://www.arthitectural.com/ava-architects-antas-educative-center/antas-education-center-1/"> Architectural </a>Antas Education Centre by AVA Architects -- Porto, Portugal
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: José Campos via <a href="http://www.arthitectural.com/ava-architects-antas-educative-center/antas-education-center-1/"> Architectural </a>Sarreguemines Nursery by Michel Grasso and Paul Le Quernec -- Sarreguemines, France
We have to give this project points for commendable creativity. Designed as a body cell, the nursery sits at the center as the "nucleus." Cytoplasm is represented by the surrounding gardens, and the exterior wall is akin to the membrane. The pre-K kids might be too young to fully appreciate the reference, but if a little cellular biology seeps in by osmosis, then we give the architects a giant gold star.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Michel Grasso + Paul Le Quernec via <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/178954/sarreguemines-nursery-michel-grasso/"> archdaily </a>Sarreguemines Nursery by Michel Grasso and Paul Le Quernec -- Sarreguemines, France
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Michel Grasso + Paul Le Quernec via <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/178954/sarreguemines-nursery-michel-grasso/"> archdaily </a>Rafael Arozarena High School by AMP Arquitectos -- La Orotava, Spain
Way to teach the young ones about the importance of context! Integrating the pre-existing walls of the farming terraces, this bold and beautiful high school blends seamlessly with the agrarian landscape, but still maintains a decidedly modern design.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: AMP Arquitectos via <a href="http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11025"> World Architecture News </a>Rafael Arozarena High School by AMP Arquitectos -- La Orotava, Spain
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: AMP Arquitectos via <a href="http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11025"> World Architecture News </a>Ørestad Gymnasium by 3XN Architects -- Copenhagen, Denmark
This Danish equivalent of a high school is definitely where we most wish we'd spent our formative teen years. The progressive, media-oriented design was inspired by a philosophy that favors "open study environments" instead of traditional classrooms. Sprawling on a giant beanbag in a floating circular loft space while debating the future of Square in the world of retail? Yes, please.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://archisdesign.com/superstructure-orestad-gymnasium-designed-by-3xn/superstructure-orestad-gymnasium-designed-by-3xn_1"> archisdesign </a>; Adam Mørk via <a href="http://www.dac.dk/en/service-sider/press/press-archive/2010/close-up-3xn-mind-your-behaviour/">Danish Architecture Centre</a>Ørestad Gymnasium by 3XN Architects -- Copenhagen, Denmark
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://archisdesign.com/superstructure-orestad-gymnasium-designed-by-3xn/superstructure-orestad-gymnasium-designed-by-3xn_1"> archisdesign </a>; Adam Mørk via <a href="http://www.dac.dk/en/service-sider/press/press-archive/2010/close-up-3xn-mind-your-behaviour/">Danish Architecture Centre</a>Marcel Sembat High School by archi5 with B. Huidobro -- Sotteville lès Rouen, France
If there's a way to help the chronically disinterested and unaware youth of the world think twice about issues of sustainability, surely this is the way. Waking up every day to attend school in one of the most beautiful green-roofed structures in the world should be every child's right.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Thomas Jorion via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/154206/marcel-sembat-high-school-archi5-with-b-huidobro/"> ardaily </a>Marcel Sembat High School by archi5 with B. Huidobro -- Sotteville lès Rouen, France
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Thomas Jorion via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/154206/marcel-sembat-high-school-archi5-with-b-huidobro/"> ardaily </a>Diamond Ranch High School by Morphosis -- Pomona, California
We can't help but wonder how many industrial designers or metalsmiths this school has inspired.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DiamondRanchHS_-_CarolHighsmith_-_4.jpg"> Carol High Smith </a>Central Los Angeles Area High School #9 for the Visual and Performing Arts by Coop Himmelblau -- Los Angeles, California
Located just off the Hollywood freeway, this public arts school in the heart of downtown Los Angeles is known for -- according to the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-ca-art-school31-2009may31,0,4081776.story" target="_hplink"><em>Los Angeles Times</em></a> -- its stunning cone-shaped library, a soaring lobby opening onto Grand Avenue, a 140-foot tower rising above a 950-seat theater, and giant, circular windows. Granted, all this grandeur comes with a hefty price tag that's spawned an ongoing debate over a campus that "flaunts a district's-worth of design at one site."
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.e-architect.co.uk/los_angeles/central_los_angeles_area_high_school_9.htm"> e-architect </a>; <a href="http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.showprojectbigimages&img=3&pro_id=10892">World Architecture News</a>Central Los Angeles Area High School #9 for the Visual and Performing Arts by Coop Himmelblau -- Los Angeles, California
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.e-architect.co.uk/los_angeles/central_los_angeles_area_high_school_9.htm"> e-architect </a>; <a href="http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.showprojectbigimages&img=3&pro_id=10892">World Architecture News</a>Sra Pou Vocational School by Rudanko + Kankkunen -- Sra Pou, Cambodia
Perhaps not as grand as some of the other designs we've featured, this rural Cambodian school's brilliance lies in the thought and careful consideration of the non-Western culture. Designed by Finnish architecture firm <a href="http://www.rudanko-kankkunen.com/" target="_hplink">Rudanko + Kankkunen</a> and built by members of the local community from hand-dried blocks of soil, the training center teaches local, underprivileged families to earn their own living in a colorful, inspiring space unlike any in the impoverished region.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen via<a href="http://n3un.com/2011/09/19/sra-pou-vocational-school-by-architects-rudanko-and-kankkunen/"> nuun design review </a>Sra Pou Vocational School by Rudanko + Kankkunen -- Sra Pou, Cambodia
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen via<a href="http://n3un.com/2011/09/19/sra-pou-vocational-school-by-architects-rudanko-and-kankkunen/"> nuun design review </a>Chromatic Play by Juana Canet Arquitectos -- Mallorca, Spain
This green, yellow, and blue multi-purpose play space was added to an existing school. As much art as it is architecture, the outdoor room is magically "dyed by the chromatic play of the coloured glassed façade."
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Jose Hevia via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/239432/chromatic-play-juana-canet-arquitectos/_mainimage_1337369572-juego-cromatico-07-1000x623/"> archdaily </a>Chromatic Play by Juana Canet Arquitectos -- Mallorca, Spain
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Jose Hevia via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/239432/chromatic-play-juana-canet-arquitectos/_mainimage_1337369572-juego-cromatico-07-1000x623/"> archdaily </a>School Barvaux-Condroz by LR Architects -- Barvaux-Condroz, Belgium
The antithesis of greige, this cheerful school with built-in play spaces and hiding dens is sure to motivate even the most sullen of children.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: M. van Coile via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/234893/school-barvaux-condroz-lr-architects/lrarchitectebarvaux27/"> archdaily </a>School Barvaux-Condroz by LR Architects -- Barvaux-Condroz, Belgium
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: M. van Coile via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/234893/school-barvaux-condroz-lr-architects/lrarchitectebarvaux27/"> archdaily </a>Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School by 2A+P/A + IaN+ + MaO -- Herat, Afghanistan
This project was realized by the <a href="http://www.fondazionecutuli.it/home.php" target="_hplink">Maria Grazia Cutuli Foundation</a>, established to honor the life of Maria Grazia Cutuli, a prominent Italian journalist killed on assignment in Afghanistan. The vibrant school "is an alternative to those models related to the after-war reconstruction emergencies." It includes a progressive "green classroom" and made use of local technologies and construction materials.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.ianplus.it/"> IaN+ </a>Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School by 2A+P/A + IaN+ + MaO -- Herat, Afghanistan
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.ianplus.it/"> IaN+ </a>Les Vinyes Primary and Secondary School by MMDM Arquitectes S.C.P. -- Barcelona, Spain
Inspiring aspiring Stanley Kubricks in Barcelona.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.eugeni-pons.com/">Eugeni Pons </a>Les Vinyes Primary and Secondary School by MMDM Arquitectes S.C.P. -- Barcelona, Spain
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: <a href="http://www.eugeni-pons.com/">Eugeni Pons </a>Kindergarten by Eva Samuel Architect Urbanist & Associates -- Paris, France
One big, pink-frosted building full of magical, child-sized playhouses.
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Gaston Bergeret via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/244133/kindergarten-in-paris-eva-samuel-architect-urbanist-associates/gaston-bergeret-_mg_1002_/"> archdaily </a>Kindergarten by Eva Samuel Architect Urbanist & Associates -- Paris, France
via <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/320057/the-most-beautiful-and-imaginative-public-schools-in-the-world?all=1">Flavorwire</a>
Image credit: Gaston Bergeret via<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/244133/kindergarten-in-paris-eva-samuel-architect-urbanist-associates/gaston-bergeret-_mg_1002_/"> archdaily </a>
References
- ^ urban public school children get more exercise when given the opportunity to play outside during recess (www.cdc.gov)
- ^ Susan B. Racette (publichealth.wustl.edu)
- ^ November issue of Preventing Chronic Disease (www.cdc.gov)
- ^ Send us a tip (www.huffingtonpost.com)
- ^ Send us a photo or video (www.huffingtonpost.com)
- ^ Suggest a correction (www.huffingtonpost.com)
0 comments:
Post a Comment