title: Learning from the experts: exploring playground experience and activities using a write and draw technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Qualitative research into the effect of school recess on children's physical activity is currently limited. This study used a write and draw technique to explore children's perceptions of physical activity opportunities during recess.
  
  
  METHODS
  299 children age 7-11 years from 3 primary schools were enlisted. Children were grouped into Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 and completed a write and draw task focusing on likes and dislikes. Pen profiles were used to analyze the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results indicated 'likes' focused on play, positive social interaction, and games across both age groups but showed an increasing dominance of games with an appreciation for being outdoors with age. 'Dislikes' focused on dysfunctional interactions linked with bullying, membership, equipment, and conflict for playground space. Football was a dominant feature across both age groups and 'likes/dislikes' that caused conflict and dominated the physically active games undertaken.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recess was important for the development of conflict management and social skills and contributed to physical activity engagement. The findings contradict suggestions that time spent in recess should be reduced because of behavioral issues.
authors: School of Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
authors: Zoe Rebecca
authors: ZR
authors: Knowles
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Parnell
authors: Gareth
authors: G
authors: Stratton
authors: Nicola Diane
authors: ND
authors: Ridgers
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012574:Schools; D014956:Writing