1st Edition

Social Life in School Pupils' experiences of breaktime and recess from 7 to 16

By Peter Blatchford Copyright 1998
    198 Pages
    by Routledge

    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    Are breaktimes really just a time of violence and bullying that could be better used for working? Based on a unique and fascinating longitudinal study of a group of pupils from primary to secondary school, the author of this timely new book proposes an alternative view. He believes that breaktime plays an important part in children's social development, and through his gathering of pupil's own views on breaktimes over a period of ten years, we see how breaktimes offer children time to play; to develop friendships; to build social networks; to develop social skills and competence; to be independent from adults; and to learn to manage conflict, aggression and inter-group relations. Where else will they learn these important skills if not in the playground? What will happen in a society where these skills are not developed?

    Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Pupils’ Experience and Behaviour at Breaktime; Chapter 3 Pupils’ Views On Breaktime at 7, 11 and 16 Years; Chapter 4 Changes in Breaktime Activities From 7 to 16 Years; Chapter 5 Playground Games at Junior School; Chapter 6 Friendship Formation After Entry to Junior School; Chapter 7 The Experience of Friendship at Breaktime at 16 Years; Chapter 8 Pupils’ Views On Teasing and Name Calling at 7, 11 and 16 Years; Chapter 9 Fighting in School; Chapter 10 Conclusion;

    Biography

    Peter Blatchford

    'Many schools would find that this book provides a fascinating insight into breaktime experiences which could lead them to consider the social and emotional benefits to pupils together with an improvement in their whole school ethos.' - E.Scape, Learning through Landscapes Magazine

    'The book can be highly recommended as an example of good qualitative research ... showing a sound interpretation of the data set. Readers of a certain age will have the added bonus of being almost bound to recall the taste of a 'frozen Jubbly.' - British Journal of Educational Psychology

    'This book makes a huge contribution to our knowledge about school breaktime...Without doubt, this book is a 'must read' for anyone interested in the growing debate about the role of breaktime in the educational system and in children's social development.' - Educational Research

    'There has been very little research in the UK about breaktimes in general and friendships in particular, which makes this book a very welcome addition to my bookshelf ... Educational psychologists who are interested in working on friendship and playground projects will find it a significant piece of research.' - Educational Psychology in Practice