Do Fewer Recess Rules Lead to Better-Behaved Kids?

While the trend in schools over the past decade seems to be an increasing number of rules and regulations for students, one New Zealand learning facility has opted for an alternative approach — and had excellent results. In an effort to increase kids' active play, and as part of a study being conducted by AUT and Otago University, Swanson Primary School eliminated all recess rules for a span of a few years.



In addition to inspiring more active, imaginative play on the playground, the kids were also more focused and attentive during their classes. There were fewer incidences of bullying, vandalism, and injuries reported as well. Sounds like a win-win, right?



"The kids were motivated, busy, and engaged. In my experience, the time children get into trouble is when they are not busy, motivated, and engaged. It's during that time they bully other kids, graffiti, or wreck things around the school," principal Bruce McLachlan told New Zealand news outlet TVNZ.



Could the study be inspiring American public schools to follow suit? Head over to The Huffington Post to get the scoop.