Effect of Play on Classroom Behavior

Abstract

This study was conducted by a Program Coordinator at an elementary school to determine whether play can help decrease disruptive classroom behavior. As coordinator of conflict management in the school, the researcher observes problems and issues that teachers do not see; one of these issues is bullying. The researcher, who works with a variety of teachers and students, has acquired new perspectives on student behavior, its causes, and strategies for improving it. In particular, the researcher has noted a correlation between the bullying behavior and the students’ declining focus during the school day. Bullying is one of the issues that contribute to the negative classroom behavior. The question at hand was this: If students are given a 45 minute period throughout the day to release energy and as an incentive mechanism, will it promote positive classroom behavior? In order to answer this question, the researcher kept a record of daily officer referrals for each student prior to and during the experiment. The positive classroom behavior immediately increased.